Indian rickshaw adventure raises £20,000 for SOS Children

George Rigby, 56, of Carronshore Falkirk, and friends John Henderson, 54 and Bill Cook, 55 or 'Squintsteps' - are one of 46 teams who have just completed the adventure of a lifetime - travelling across India … in a rickshaw!

With no back up, teams from all around the world signed up to the 'Rickshaw Run' - an extremely dangerous yet exciting adventure - which involved driving an auto rickshaw 4,500km across India, from Shillong in the Northeast to the Western state of Goa in just 10 days. With absolutely no back-up, it was up to each team to decide the route they wanted to take, source all their accommodation and food and undertake any repair work needed.

All the money raised will go towards SOS Children as well as the Frank Water Project.

One of the oldest teams taking part, George and his friends are no strangers to undertaking challenges for charity. Over the past 30 years, they have walked along the Great Wall of China, swam with sharks, and climbed Kilimanjaro, raising in excess of £75,000 for charity. And through the ‘Rickshaw Run’ Squintsteps have raised an amazing £2,300 for SOS Children and £6,000 in total.

George says: “There were a few challenges along the way: becoming used to the crazy driving and trying to find accommodation at night - always difficult when arriving in a small village! We were lucky we managed to find a hotel room each night but some teams had to sleep in their rickshaw when they could not find any accommodation. Directions were also an issue as the road signs are not that great - but the locals were always very helpful - some would even jump in the rickshaw and take you to junction you were looking for then walk back to were you picked them up. Or follow you in their vehicle and make sure you took the correct road.”

Along the way, many teams managed to visit the SOS Children’s Village in Shillong and were cheered on their way by our mothers and children. Funds raised will go towards the Children's Village in Shillong as well as the Khajuri Kalan Children's Village, which is specifically for children with disabilities and special needs. Money will help buy 14 wheelchairs, physiotherapy equipment and the establishment of a Music Therapy centre.

We would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who took part in this extremely demanding challenge which has raised more than £20,000 for our projects in India.