Countdown To The Ultimate Challenge - Jimnys Embark On Global Charity Fundraising Expedition

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – Jan 9, 2013: At the end of March, five retired avid Suzuki fans will begin a 28,000 mile fundraising tour around the world in aid of Save the Children and the Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington, Hampshire.

The expedition, masterminded by retired businessman Leslie Carvall will start from London’s Trafalgar Square on March 31st and the big idea originally came about after Les admired a large convoy of classic cars driving past him on the Paris – Peking Rally. He realised he would love to do something similar but this time on a much grander scale and also for worthwhile charitable causes. One unique point about the Ultimate Challenge is that the crew are all retired and in their 70s and together they devised the humorous strapline Heaven can wait I’m Busy.

Jimnys were chosen for the trip as the team wanted to prove that the huge five month journey could be achieved in low cost compact 4x4 vehicles with a very strong record of durability around the world.

The crew of five will be travelling in two new cars which will be of largely standard specification apart from additional luggage racks, All Terrain tyres, modified springs and dampers and heavy duty front and rear bumpers. The crew are currently in physical training for the global tour and also receiving coaching in car maintenance and repair by Newmans Suzuki at Totton, Southampton who are also sponsoring the challenge.

The crew of drivers consists of Leslie Carvall, Glyn Maher, Alan Butler, Charles Scott and

Peter Streets and the first section of the tour will travel through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Czech Republic and Poland before reaching Moscow and beyond.