Thomas Lawson of Tavistock, Devon along with friends Guthrie Fenton, Archie Innes and Toby Mackean, has embarked on an incredible, unsupported 8000-mile cycle expedition, which covers the entire length of South America to raise £80,000 for charity.
The journey is taking the boys from the southern-most city in the world, Ushuaia, to a solitary desert lighthouse that marks the most northerly point of mainland South America, Punta Gallinas, taking them over the world’s longest mountain range, the Andes and with only their bicycles and backpacks to keep them going.
Thomas, now 22 was born on the family farm located in the Walkham Valley, close to Sampford Spiney, Tavistock and since that time was educated in Devon and Somerset before spending 3 years at Durham reading Chemistry. He met his friends at university and they have been determined to test the bounds of their friendship by tackling this trip.
Charles Lawson, Director of Jackson-Stops and staff and father to Thomas, has said that in some areas of the country winds would reach up to 35mph making it impossible for the cyclists to camp. this leaves them with no choice but to weigh down their bikes and use them as wind barriers to sleep behind. Since starting on 1 January, their 50 kilogram kit has also halved in size as clothes have been sacrificed to carry extra food and water. Their official website www.uppingtheandes.com documents the trials and tribulations of this impressive journey, with regular uploads and frequent image posts.
Each team member have chosen a cause they feel truly passionate about, which so far include Cancer Research UK, DMRC Headley Court, The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust and the Mark Donegan Fellowship.
Please give generously and help them to reach their fundraising goal, where 100% of the donations received will all go to the chosen charities and not to fund the expedition. They are almost half way already having raised £30,000 through their website alone.
