“Woh,  thats a hell of a decision to make……….er….. I’m in. Can I bring my camera?”

I didn’t do the whole pre/post university travel thing, partly because I was too focused on getting a career on the go and partly because I’m terrified of being lost in the middle of nowhere with a backpack on. Anyway things have changed a bit as of late, career is ticking along nicely and I’m even more terrified of being lost in the middle of nowhere with a backpack on. It may seem strange then that I literally jumped at this chance to go bozzing through god knows how many countries, across deserts, mountains and seas to take an ambulance to Mongolia. Weirdly it didn’t feel strange for me, firstly because at least I know I won’t be on my own, Ill be with 4 blokes who are all very skilled in their own way. (mainly computer games, which practically speaking isn’t going to be handy at all). Secondly because this isn’t going to backpacking, we have a couple of tons of metal to drive and thirdly theres a real goal and a real sense of achievement to be had from this trip.

I’m 27, a professional photographer and have my own small but perfectly formed family on the Wirral, England. Sarah, has an amazing ability to both support my better ideas and crush my idiot ideas – thankfully she was 100% behind this one and has gladly accepted the challenge of looking after our 8 month old Daughter (who’ll be 2 when we’re away, missing her birthday is going to suck!) for the duration of our trip.

I’m going to be looking after all of our web activities over the course of the trip and probably being Nicks scapegoat when the cooking goes bad (again).  There are a lot of plans for this site before, during and even after the rally. We’re live blogging/tweeting, uploading masses of content hopefully on a near daily basis during the trip. Theres a whole host of other cool bits and bobs and interactive gubbins that I’m working on too that should make for some cool viewing. Our site will reach a heck of a lot of people and is going to be pretty beneficial to those that can help and sponsor us. As a photographer, it’s a dream to get out and take some real pictures of the world, Ill be uploading pics daily (3G allowing) and working on a large project over the rally. I’m looking forward to meeting people along the way and hearing about life in distant lands. I’m also going to try and learn Russian before hand (?!) it should help (get us locked up) us at border crossings. “HELLO, SHOW ME THE WAY TO THE GLASS REFIGERATOR ON TUESDAY” whilst smiling moronically.

Whilst the whole thing seems a little daunting and I’m quite glad we’ve got over a year to prep for the rally, I feel proud to be doing it for such a brilliant cause. I’ve been robbed of people that I miss dearly by breast cancer and I’m delighted that we’re doing it for such a brilliant charity that will make a difference.

Here’s to hoping we don’t have to pay off any border officials with camera equipment.