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November 28, 2003

Alistair all set for Dakar trip

From: Watford Observer, UK - Nov 28, 2003

A TRAINEE interpreter for the deaf is preparing to travel 3,000 miles in an "old banger" to raise money for a deaf school in Africa.

Mr Alistair Wood, of Springfield, Bushey Heath, is attempting the ambitious drive as part of the Plymouth-Dakar Challenge 2003.

The 32-year-old featured The Watford Observer last month when he appealed for an old car for the trip.

"I can't believe the response," he said. "The telephone did not stop ringing for a week."

The rules of the challenge specify participants must spend no more than 100 on a vehicle and 15 on modifications, to travel the 3,000 miles from the south coast of England to the west coast of Africa.

The chosen vehicle is a Range Rover, donated by heating engineers at Capital Heating in Watford.

"I will be driving down to Dakar in the Range Rover and we will be taking a Peugeot 504 estate," Mr Wood said.

"The vehicles can handle the terrain and there are lots of spares out there."

His co-driver Mr Gary Hill, from Exeter, has been helping Mr Wood with the preparations.

Mr Wood and Mr Hill are looking for sponsorship and any money they raise will go to national charity Sign, which caters for deaf people with mental health needs.

Anyone who is able to help, telephone Mr Wood on 07811 666174.

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