Jessie Evans

Until recently, I had no idea so many people think I’m a little screwy in the head. Recent comments from my friends made it quite clear that I have a reputation, for example, “it figures you would do something like this” and “you are one of the craziest girls I know”. Well, I certainly never thought I was all that crazy and so can’t speak to the past, however, I fully acknowledge this fund raising voyage is a little eccentric! The great news is, I am in good company with Doug, Aparna, and the rest of the Adventurists teams, not to mention my friends and family who …

Aparna Polavarapu

I’ve been pretty successful as a relatively responsible and respectable cog in the corporate world, so I’d say my choice to participate in the Africa Rally comes as a shock to about half the people I know. To the rest, I’m so odd and unpredictable that this is somehow incredibly predictable. Of course, these are the people who are pretty familiar with my alter ego: the tiara-wearing, impulsive and delirious Empress of Aparnia …

Doug Thistlethwaite

When Jessie and Aparna approached me with the notion of driving from London to Cameroon for charity, I was among many who laughed at the seemingly crazy idea. However, my amusement quickly gave way to serious thought. I have contributed to charities before but really only know these regions through news and images from intermediary parties. How could embracing the opportunity to engage firsthand with the politics, landscapes, and recipients of this aid be a crazy idea? This adventure is not just a sight seeing trip, but a chance for interaction with the people of these countries by asking for directions, taking local food, and probably flagging down a passerby to help fix the air filter…

Our Chariot*

Weighing in all the types of cars that might make the cut, there was one that crushed them all. Introducing the SUZUKI SAMURAI (also called the Vitara in more recent models). Small in size but not in heart. We have found our wonderful stead! *The fine automobile pictured is not the actual car we will be taking across the Sahara Desert, just a dramatic picture of the awesome things our Sammy will be able to do!

 

STEVE SIMMS, CHIEF MECHANIC AND RESIDENT UK EXPERT
Bio will be posted shortly