Kilcullen men for Mongol Rally ... in 21-year-old 1.0 Micra

In July of this year, Team Mad Yax comprising two Kilcullen men will attempt to make their way from Naas to Mongolia in their 1996 1.0 Nissan Micra, as part of the Mongol Rally, write team members John Maher and Matteo D'agostini.

This is a 15,000km endurance event through some of the world’s most perilous geographical and political landscapes and will finish on the far side of Mongolia, in Ulan Ude, Siberia. No route or support is provided at any point along the way so teams must mend on the go, sleep and eat by the side of the road, and navigate a route to the finish. They will travel through over 19 countries, cross three deserts, and traverse five mountain ranges.

The primary goal in this venture is to raise money for The Middle East Children's Alliance. MECA is a non-profit organisation working for the rights of children in the Middle East by sending humanitarian aid and supporting projects for children from Iraq to Gaza.

Team Mad Yax strongly believes the work of MECA is vital in giving children a chance and providing much needed support in the region, and hope to be able to make a decent contribution to MECA.

Preparations are well under way as the car is fitted out with extra supports, lights and petrol tanks. Neither of us have mechanical backgrounds and will be learning as we go.

Fundraising is well under way but we are looking to make as big an impact as we can leading up to, and during the event. The team has been very lucky to have the support of the very generous people behind Zaytoon Restaurants in Dublin and The Fountain Takeaway in Kilcullen.

The adventure can be followed on www.facebook.com/madyax2018 where you will also find a 'Donate' button. The team can be contacted on madyax2018@gmail.com for any further queries.