Portumna to The Gambia in a banger

Date Published: 11-Dec-2008

A GALWAY couple are undertaking a trip of a lifetime by driving from here to Gambia in a banger to raise money for charity.

Deirdre Kenny and Adrian Cummins from Portumna, are setting out on their adventure next Saturday from Eyre Square where they will get a send-off in a 1983 VW Caravelle van before driving through France, Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania Senegal and finally The Gambia.

It’s the poor man’s version of the Paris to Dakar Rally and is know as the Plymouth to Banjul Rally where the only rule is participants can’t spend more than €140 on the vehicle, which must be a left hand drive and get there anyway you can!

Deirdre has worked as an Advocacy Director for One in Four for the past two and a half years and decided she would get involved in a dramatic fundraiser. One in Four needs at least €1million a year to provide services for men and women who have experienced sexual violence.

There is no support once they are on the road and effectively they will be providing most of their own meals once they leave Marrakesh after Christmas as they go mostly off road until they reach their final destination.

Deirdre casually mentions that there is a…