Mongol Rally: Team Grandad set off on 10,000 mile challenge

Army reservist and Oxford Brookes student Daniel Satch will negotiate mountains, deserts and two continents in his attempt at the 10,000 mile Mongol Rally.

The Watlington 23-year-old left the university with New Zealand-born friend Adriaan Durandt ahead of the race beginning on July 21, when they will begin a drive through Asia and Europe, from the Czech Republic to Siberia, on extremely rugged roads.

'Team Grandad' are driving a bright green, 1999, 1 litre Nissan Micra, which grandfather John Satch – who served in the RAF – drove until he was 98.

Mr Satch. who hopes to return in time for a sports science lecture when term restarts in September, is fundraising for armed forces charity SSAFA, while participants must also support environmental charity Cool Earth.

He explained: “Raising the money is the most important part.

"My grandad was always a keen car enthusiast, adventurer and always up for a challenge... It would mean the world to myself, Adriaan and our families to complete this challenge and raise funds and awareness for such great charities.

"I'm sure Grandad is watching down on us with a smile, backing us all the way.”

The pair need to raise a combined total of around £14,000 to meet their pledges and cover logistical costs.

They plan to head for St Petersburg then on through Russia and into Mongolia before coming back into Russia to reach Ulan-Ude, in Siberia.