Set for deserts, pot holes and the heat

The journey will take in deserts, pot-holed roads, dirt tracks and go through mountain ranges topping 16,000 feet.

It what sounds like the script from an adventure film – hot air balloon pilot Mark Stevens, 57, and antiques dealer David Cunningham, 62, will set out on their six-weeks journey to Mongolia for charity, including the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

Mark, who lives near Warwick Racecourse, and David, of Shipston, are taking part in the Mongol Rally, and after driving through Europe they will journey through Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Siberia and end in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.

Once the journey is completed the ambulance, which has already clocked up 160,000 miles and cost them £3,000, will be put back into use there as a medical vehicle.

They hope to raise at least £10,000 and the pair are also helping the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, which supports abandoned children in Mongolia.

Mark, who is ballooning in Turkey but who will be back for the July 24 start, and David have known each other for 30 years from the days when he ran Westgate Antiques, West Street, Warwick.

David said: “There’s an element of risk that you might meet people who want to relieve you of your possessions, but you can’t think of that all the time.

“And we may have to part with a few dollars to make our way through the officialdom that may crop up at borders and traffic checks.

“It’s a matter of common sense and observing the way of life.

“But I am sure we will meet a lot of nice and interesting people along the way who will only be too happy to help us.

“A more direct route would be through northern Afghanistan but we could not get visas for that and it’s probably not a good thing to do.”

A number of companies have given money and services to refit the ambulance for the journey, including a long-distance fuel tank, new engine and to cope with temperatures ranging from freezing to more than 40C.

Leamington and Coventry financial experts Harrison Beale and Owen has made a £800 donation. Tracey Hackett, director of the financial services team, said: “It is difficult to comprehend the scale of the journey and challenges David and Mark will be undertaking.”

For more information on how to support the pair on their journey contact David Cunningham on 07881 588518.