A BOLD couple aim to drive about 5,000 miles from England to Mongolia in less than six weeks to raise hundreds of pounds for two charities.

Kim Beresford, 34, and his girlfriend Leonie Washington, 31, hope to take part in the 2011 Mongol Rally in their second-hand Peugeot 106.

Now the couple are seeking sponsorship and supplies for both themselves and the car, as well as venues to host planned fundraising events.

Sponsorship from the challenge will go towards cancer charity Cobalt and the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, which supports underprivileged children in Mongolia and Vietnam.

Kim, a former truck driver, said: “I have travelled to some quite amazing places around the world, such as India and Nepal, so there’s quite a lot of adventure seeking in those travels.

“I thought the rally was a great way to raise money and do an adventure like this at the same time.

“I think it’s going to blow my mind, it’s going to be awesome.”

The Mongol Rally, which will involve about 200 teams, takes place between Goodwood, in Sussex, and the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.

Kim and Leonie, who met while working as rangers at Lydiard Park, bought their 2002 model vehicle on Ebay and former St Joseph’s Catholic College pupil Kim brought it up to standard.

The couple will set off on July 23 and take turns driving a total of eight to 10 hours a day, travelling through a number of countries, including France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Russia and Mongolia.

Kim, who lives in Brinkworth, said: “We are going to be in each other’s company 24 hours a day, so realistically I expect to have arguments and to fall out with each other.

“And once we get to the areas where there’s no proper road, the reliability of the car will be tested to the maximum.”

Along the way, they will mainly camp out under the stars and will also visit places of special interest to them, including Romania, Kiev and the Aral Sea.

Old Town resident Leonie, a biodiversity officer at the Cotswold Water Park, said: “I’m quite excited about it. I’m not as well travelled as Kim.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to visit lots of countries in a short space of time. And to be able to do something that’s fun and an adventure, and at the same time raise money for two brilliant charities is an opportunity not to be missed.”

The couple are seeking a suitable location to host a number of fundraising events, including a car wash, a car boot sale, a quiz and an auction.

They are also contacting organisations to either sponsor the trip or donate a prize for the quiz or an item for the auction.

Businesses and individuals can provide sponsorship or donate equipment for the car or the pair in return for having their logo or picture on the car.

Visit www.justgiving.com/leonie to sponsor them in aid of Cobalt or www.justgiving.com/kimberesford to sponsor them in aid of Christina Noble Children’s Foundation.

Anyone who can help with sponsorship or offer a fundraising location is asked to contact Kim on 077283 60551 or email kimjberesford@yahoo.co.uk.