10,000 miles in a one litre car: Pair prepare for epic fundraising rally
Two step brothers from Stafford are embarking on a 10,000 mile race in a cramped VW Polo in memory of their grandfathers – who both died of Alzheimer's Disease.
Adam and James Rowley are taking part in the Mongol Rally, an charity chase through 16 countries, including Russia and Georgia, next July.
In the process, they hope to raise at least £1,000 for Alzheimer's research as well as awareness of the suffering of victims and their carers.
The pair, whose car is named Wilson, are being helped by Norton Canes garage Car Friend.
Music student Adam, aged 19, said he watched his grandfather Michael Creamer, a retired RAF heavy goods driver, change over 10 years from an intelligent, feisty man to a shell of his former self.
He said he also saw the toll that caring for him took on his grandmother Joan.
Adam said: "I felt I should do what I can to help not only the sufferers but also the 24-hour carers, often their spouses."
The brothers chose the rally because it was 'dangerous and exciting', he said.
James, a 28-year-old computer programmer, paid tribute to his grandfather, Godfrey Bailey, a pharmacist, who passed away two years ago after a decade-long illness.
For seven of those years, he was passed to different care homes which failed him in different ways and resulted in my nan desperately struggling to care for him on her own at home but not receiving nearly enough help," he said.
The pair are also inviting businesses to get involved, with the M6 Toll Road, CES UK, Midlands Signs and Wilsons Auctions, among their sponsors so far.
Car Friend spokeswoman Gemma Mynes said: "It seemed a great thing to get involved in. We're helping with the car and passing on contacts in the business. It's a very worthy cause."
The brothers are looking for sponsorship to help pay for fuel, food, visas and other expenses, appealing for £1 donations at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/mongolrowley
