TWO adventurers have set out on a 10,000-mile road trip to Mongolia to raise money for charity.

Richard Davies, 26, from Gresford, and Gareth Hadley, 25, from Pandy, are taking part in the Mongol Rally, an international event with more than 400 teams driving across Europe, Russia and Asia.

They set out from Goodwood Park on Saturday and will be passing through France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Russia and Khazakstan before arriving in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

“It’s something we wanted to do because it’s a lot of fun and a really good way to raise money for good causes,” said Richard, “It is a kind of race but you do not get anything for being first, it’s just a case of getting there.”

They will be travelling through some of the world's most inhospitable terrain in a 202 993cc Suzuki Alto that they bought for £700. “It’s going to be tough,” said Richard, ”but we’re really excited about doing it – and a little bit nervous.

“When we get to Mongolia the cars are signed over and auctioned off. The money goes to charity, and the Mongols get use of the car.”

They expect to take five or six weeks and will be flying back, he said.

They had to raise at least £1,000 for charity to qualify for entering and hope to make £2,000 over all. Anything above that would be just brilliant,” said Richard.

Their chosen causes are Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham, The Christina Noble Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Research and children’s charities in Mongolia.

They are being sponsored by The Plough Inn and Delmar World travel agents in Gresford, DVB Locksmiths in Bangor-on-Dee and Airbus in Broughton.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving. com/bycarorcamel or there are donation points at Delmar World and The Plough, Gresford.

You can follow Richard and Gareth on their adventure by visiting www.theadventurists. com and clicking on live tracking, with a search for their team ‘By Car or Camel’.

There is also a ‘By Car or Camel’ facebook group, or for more information email Howard Davies at howard@delmarworld. co.uk.