Paul Diviney and Matthew Haycock with the Ford Ranger four-wheel drive donated by EDF Energy Networks
02 July 2010
EDF Energy has stepped in to help two men realise their dream of completing a 10,000-mile overland trip to Mongolia.
Paul Diviney, a project co-ordinator with EDF Energy Networks in Crawley, and his friend Matthew Haycock will set off later this summer on a journey that will take them on the road trip of a lifetime, through more than 25 countries all the way to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.
The company is providing them with a Ford Ranger four-wheel drive that was no longer needed. Instead of selling it at auction, EDF Energy Networks decided to donate it to the intrepid travellers who will auction it off for charity once they arrive at their destination.
The robust vehicle – one of many used by EDF Energy Network Engineers to battle through last winter’s storms to keep the network running – should help them cope with the challenge of navigating the rough terrain of the roads ahead.
The trip to Mongolia will raise money for charity projects in their destination country. They have already raised more than £1,700 towards their £2,000 target needed for the trip.
Paul, 33, of Chivalry Road, Clapham said: “Neither of us have ever done anything like this before and we think it’s the last chance we have before we become sensible and settle down.
“I’m originally from Australia and Matt’s from New Zealand so we’ve done our fair share of travelling and love that feeling of the open road. We’ll be sharing the driving and allowing ourselves plenty of time to get there so we can see some places on the way.”
Matthew, also 33, of Tranmere Road, Earlsfield, is a physiotherapist – which will come in handy with the aches and pains caused by some of the bumpy roads ahead.
Paul added: “We’re really looking forward to it and EDF Energy has been brilliant. We’re really grateful as having a proper four-wheel drive will make a lot of difference.”
Chris Pascall, head of transport for EDF Energy said: “When we heard about their plans we were delighted to help out with a vehicle. It’s a fantastic challenge for them and all for a really good cause too.”
Once the journey is complete the vehicle will be auctioned off in Mongolia to raise funds for local charities. Paul and Matthew leave on July 10 and expect their trip to take up to six weeks.
Donations can be made at their website: www.mongoliacharityrallies.org/all-weasel-no-beaver or you can email Paul at pauldiviney@yahoo.com.au
ENDS
For further information please contact Andrew Drinkwater or Charlotte Mitchell in the EDF Energy Networks press office on 01293 509144
Notes to editors:
EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies, producing around one-fifth of the nation's electricity from its nuclear, coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms. The company provides power to a quarter of the UK’s population via its electricity distribution networks and supplies gas and electricity to more than 5.5 million business and residential customers. It is the number one supplier of electricity to major business in the UK.
EDF Energy’s safe and secure operation of its eight existing nuclear power stations at sites across the country makes it the UK’s largest generator of low carbon electricity. EDF Energy is also leading the UK's nuclear renaissance and has published plans to build four new nuclear reactors, subject to the right investment framework. These new plants would generate enough low carbon electricity for about 40% of Britain’s homes. They would make an important contribution to the UK’s future needs for clean, secure and affordable energy. The project is already creating business and job opportunities for British companies and workers.
Through Our Climate and Social Commitments EDF Energy has launched the biggest environmental and social programme of any UK energy company. EDF is the official energy utilities partner and sustainability partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company is also helping its customers and others use energy more sustainably through products and initiatives such as Read, Reduce, Reward and Team Green Britain.
EDF Energy is part of EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest power companies. Following the integration with British Energy in 2009, the company employs nearly 20,000 people at locations across the UK.