Well hello there, fond followers of the Hoplite Hippos  We’ve reached some pretty impressive landmarks since you last heard from us. Not only have we donated £1,000 to Chailey Heritage School at their end of term Celebration Day (we’ve not raised that much yet so we’re still holding events later on this month!).

We also recently crossed the £1,000 barrier for Frank Water, making us now officially eligible for the Rickshaw Run – a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who donated. It’s been such a joy seeing my email inbox fill with happy messages from JustGiving and every donation will make a huge difference to people in India and West Africa dying of thirst for lack of clean drinking water.

We’ve had our first lesson in two stroke engine maintenance (more on that later from Clio Williams) and we’ve been getting our International Driving Licences, Visas, vaccinations and travel insurance sorted out.

We’ve received advice from the great and the good, as well as the lowly and less good, all of which has been enormously appreciated.

Next plan is to get a mossy net, mossy spray, torch, goggles, cushions (!) and all the gear that will ensure that our madcap trek is as comfortable as possible.

You might also be aware that I am growing a moustache especially for this trip - a might soup strainer to inspire wonder and respect from all who cross our paths. I shall be keeping you informed on its and our progress as we near the off and then once we’re out on the road, driving like pillocks.

What I hope the moustache will look like by the time we leave!

Once again, thank you so much for your support so far. It has been truly humbling. We have two more events for you to peruse before we leave. 

Friday 31st August will see Blackheath Rugby Club play host to our final Charity Quiz so get your thinking caps up and head down to South East London to compete for some awesome prizes. £10 gets you in, gets you some dinner and gets a raffle ticket.

 Saturday 1st September is our farewell bash. Do please turn up to see us off, pledge a few pennies to the cause and offer us your best advice for the trip ahead. 

 Cheerio and Pip Pip

 Charlie, Clio and Alice