Our objective:

• To drive a a 39 year old ex Army Land Rover Ambulance from Cumbria to the Gambia.Once we realised what was going to be involved we had to work hard to gain the required sponsorship and even harder to get her ready. The support we received was fantastic, with many people delivering above and beyond the call of duty.
  
• On arrival donate her to a village clinic near Kudang.

We decided on our route and planned to leave on the 28th December 04. The days before departure got fewer and fewer, whilst what needed to be completed seemed to stay the same. The clock was ticking!

The 28th of December arrived and we said goodbye to Kendal and where officially wished well by the mayor.

Arrived France at 04.30 on the 29th. Two very long days driving south. Dynamo and camping stove expired but thankfully we had spares and backups, good old army hexy stoves!

Arrived Spain and drove through every type of weather! warm sun, fog, rain and then snow (not necessarily in that order)
Spain day two, Meg decided she lacked attention so burst a coolant hose, again we had spares so after a quick fettle we were back on the road.

We said goodbye to Gibraltar, after a quiet (ish) New Year and arrived in Morocco. Lots of check points but no problems. We met another Land’y going our way so travelled in convoy.

When we got to Marrakech we took full advantage of the cultural experience and tried to blend in! Obviously bad Karma as the next day Meg dropped a valve and blew her head gasket. The day was spent running around the city trying to find a new valve. But we did see a lot of Marrakech and met a lot of very helpful people.

We spent two very long days driving trying to make up time and finally entered the western Sahara. The Skeleton coast is very flat, long and empty!

Day 12, Saturday 8th Jan. We left Morocco and entered Mauritania, clearly survived the minefield after applying some traditional techniques.

Entered the desert day 13, north of Nouadhibou. Truly stunning! The landscape changed regularly from flat and stony to deep soft sand with awesome dunes providing the back drop. The driving was great fun but Meg had to work very hard on occasion, so much so that she blew her oil cooler. All in all this was Meg’s best leg, she really felt at home and enjoying it.

After four days in the desert we finally hit the coast and headed south along the beach towards the border with Senegal.

Day 18, Friday 14th Jan. We arrived in Senegal and invited to stay until Sunday 16th. The chosen venue for our stay did resemble a scene from Tenko. Camp Tenko was however a good opportunity to let others catch up on our personal admin. We where far to busy on vehicle maintenance to do washing.

Finally we arrived in the Gambia and headed east for approx 170 miles through swarms of Locust, on roads with pot holes the size of baths! It took us a mere ten hours.

Tuesday 18th we arrived at  Bansang hospital. Built in 1938 and in need of much support. We met a group of incredible people determined/obsessive about continually raising the standards.

On the afternoon of Tuesday the 18th we arrived at Sambel Kunda, this is where the Alexander Edwards Clinic is and where Meg will be stationed. Upon our arrival at the clinic it wasn't long before quite a crowd started to gather.

The head of the village said a few words of thanks. We shook everyone's hand at least three times and the horse and cart that was the current ambulance could now finally retire! Then the whole formal proceedings where hijacked by a very grateful lady who started shouting, singing and dancing. This was quickly followed by many others doing the same.

On the following day we returned to the village and handed out the various things we bought with us, such as soap, toys, books, clothes, lighters etc. The school children lined up for their go in the lucky dip.Judging by the response and the look on their faces, they had all won the jackpot!

We returned to Banjul so Meg could have a thorough service at a Land Rover Garage and with all the medical supplies and gifts donated, there was one last thing to do before flying home.

We arrived back in the UK on the 21st January after completing a very successful and rewarding adventure.
A huge thanks goes out to all of our supporters and sponsors who have all contributed to change the lives of many people in the Gambia.