The leader info
Gemma Quinn / 2012-03-04 11:43:29
Two local men are taking on the challenge of a lifetime as they prepare to spend a week driving from Spain to Morocco handing out essential supplies, clothing and toys to local needy children along the way.
Brain Hampshire and Rob Hull are the La Marina Raiders and in under 4 weeks time will be one of 44 teams taking part in the Maroc Challenge Raid, a 2,000km journey across the deserts and mountains of the Alawite Kingdom, starting in Javea and ending at Essaouira beach in Morocco. It is billed as being a ‘unique raid which aims to provide a low cost alternative for those who wish to experience an extraordinary event that incorporates both sporting and humanitarian spirit.’
Brian explains it is not a race at all, but there are checkpoints and raids each day with teams able to accumulate points as there are a few trophies that can be won at the end of the week! But the main reason Brian and Rob are taking part is to help the local children in the communities they will be driving through.
The Maroc Challenge Raid works closely with the ‘Association des Generations Solidaires’ aiming to improve the quality of life in rural areas of Morocco. Shoe company Garvalín is also a big sponsor providing shoes for the children.
Those taking part raise funds for equipment and aids in their projects to help remote village and schools, “It is about enjoying the adventure and having fun,” says Brian, “but importantly, we want to give something back and help children, something that has always been of interest to me.” It is the first time the pair have ever done anything like this and it all really happened a bit by accident. “I walked in the house and heard something on the radio but I didn’t catch the whole thing, I thought they were looking for volunteers to drive a convoy of aid so I got in touch and then found out about the Maroc Challenge.”
That was just 6 weeks ago and since then Brian from BHP Painters has recruited builder Rob from RH Reformas to join him and they have sourced their vehicle – a Nissan Patrol, registered pre-1996 as per the competition rules and already started raising sponsorship. The pair are covering the registration cost and all other expenses themselves but are looking for sponsorship and donations. “We pledge that 100% of all donations will go to them in Morocco. We are wanting to take supplies out to the children so we can personally hand them over and see the impact they have, particularly colouring books and crayons so any cash donations we get we will be using that to purchase items and fill up the car.”
Companies are also sponsoring to have their logos on the van and so far in total the La Marina Raiders team, based in urbanisation La Marina, have raised around 500-600€. A special fundraising event has been planned for Monday 19th March at Zodiacs bar where it is hoped even more will be raised.
It was last month that the Leader reported on another local duo, Paul Harold and Richard Mentessi, who were also taking part in the Challenge. Brian and Rob have been in touch with them and intend to forge a good relationship with the lads, “Neither Rob or I have any mechanical experience but they do and we have a bigger car so we expect to carry some of their equipment in exchange for mechanical advice and help if we need it!” Brian may not have any experience of car mechanics but the driving part is something that does not faze him previously having had work driving from the UK to Kuwait city, “I’m used to driving long distances so I’m really looking forward to the driving part, it’s the finding the locations that I think will be the hardest part.”
Brian has visited Ghana and was looking at doing some aid work in South Africa so he believes he is prepared for the poverty and lifestyle of the children he will come across on the way and already he has been in talks with the Raid organisers to take his participation more seriously next year when he retires, but for now his focus is very much on this years Challenge which starts on Saturday 31st March from Javea.
Their car is currently getting some modifications removing the back seats and adding a roof rack but it should be on the road driving around the area promoting the challenge this week.
If anyone would like any more information or would like to sponsor La Marina Raiders or donate some items for them to take to Morocco for the children email Brian, who will happily collect them from you, on hampshire8 and the Leader will be following the guys along the way and you can do the same by checking out their Facebook page, search ‘La Marina Raiders.’
