We met whilst living and working in New Zealand. A joint interest in doing the Mongol Rally led to a promise whilst travelling through New Zealand in 2017 to bring this dream to fruition.
However, inspired by Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor's Long Way Round, and with aspirations to do something a 'little different', a decision was made over a fateful full english breakfast to extend the adventure to Mongolia into a round-the-world trip. Phase one of this plan began with Rachel starting the hunt for what would be our motorised transport for the trip and stumbling across a rather unique vehicle on eBay. 'Amber' as she has been affectionately named is an Ex-private ambulance used at Ascot and other cross-country equine events. Her potential as an overlanding expedition camper was immediately apparent. Not wanting to lose the characteristic look, the expedition became 'The Overlanding Ambulance', and with it the goal to perform a true global circumnavigation to gain the Guinness World Record for 'the longest journey in an ambulance' and attention for our charities. To add some planning complexity, we had arranged to get married in Aveyron, France in May 2020 en route from Liverpool to South America. The wedding has now been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. |
+ Lawrence Dodi +
Lawrence's love for travel was inspired by Michael Palin's 'Around the World in 80 Days', and more recently Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor's exploits in 'The Long Way Round'. He has previously solo road tripped in the US and New Zealand, and backpacked throughout South East Asia.
Lawrence graduated as a vet from the University of Liverpool in 2011 and before departing on the trip he worked as a locum small animal vet. He is chief copilot/navigator, and brings attention to detail and organisation to the team. He is most excited about visiting Chile. |
+ Rachel Nixon +
Rachel's love for travel was inspired by watching nature documentaries of far flung places as a child. Rachel has spent many summers living in France with her family and in the last 15 years she has spent extended periods of time in Ghana, South Africa, Mexico, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Fiji.
Rachel graduated as a vet from the University of Cambridge in 2012 and has worked at the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Practice. Rachel before departing on the trip worked as a locum small animal vet. She is chief driver, and brings her skills with languages and photography to the team. She is most excited about visiting the Albanian Alps. |
+ Peggy SUE +
Peggy Sue is our four-legged travel companion. Born in Wales, this enthusiastic English Springer spaniel has since lived in New Zealand and road tripped throughout the UK and France. She is happiest on hikes or with a tennis ball. Don't be fooled by her hungry eyes, she's likely to have eaten already!
She is going to be travelling with Lawrence and Rachel through all of Europe and potentially beyond ... |