A DARING trio from Oxfordshire are preparing for the journey of a lifetime this summer.

Kanhai Dalal, Toby Lindenbaum and Christopher Noton are doing an intercontinental drive called the Mongol Rally.

But it will not be a comfortable trip – the trio will travel to Mongolia and Russia – via Turkey and Iran – in a 1.2 litre Nissan Micra which was given to them by a friend.

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Mr Noton, 44, from Cassington, said: “The Mongol Rally is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; we will experience cultures contrasting Europe or the West with the east.

"We will see some of the most beautiful landscapes and meet the most amazing people we’re likely to ever meet.”

The Mongol Rally is different to other races in that there is no set route.

Instead, competitors can decide how they will travel across Europe and Asia themselves.

Teams who sign up for the rally must raise a minimum of £1,000 to participate. Half of the money goes to the rally’s official charity, Cool Earth, and the other half goes to a charity of the team’s choice.

The trio have chosen Oxford Mind as their charity and have almost raised £500.

Friends, family and local businesses such as Oxford Car Audio, Ecobee Cleaning, Motorline Nissan and WS Army Surplus, have not only sponsored the trio but have also donated equipment and tools that they may need on their treacherous trip.

The items they have been gifted include two tyres, petrol and roof racks.

Mr Noton said: “We have received a lot of support already and we’ve only been planning for three months. We’ve managed to get things sorted quickly with their help.”

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The three friends will set off from France and travel through Europe before meeting a convoy of ten other drivers and going to Iran and then Russia.

Mr Dalal, 21, from Rose Hill and Mr Lindenbaum, 21, from Wheatley, are both currently studying to be doctors which Mr Noton says he is grateful for.

The electrician said: “They’re trainee doctors so they’ll keep me alive while I’ll keep the car alive.”

The trio are due to set off on their four-week adventure on July 21.

Mr Lindenbaum said: “I’m super excited to set off in July and can’t wait to be cruising through the Pamir highway in our totally unsuitable car.

"To be fundraising for Oxfordshire Mind along the way too is great, it’s gonna be quite a ride”

Mr Noton added: “We’re winging it and also having a bit of organisation but I’m more excited than anything.

"I’m not wondering when we’ll break down because that’s all part of it – the question is, how many times will we break down?”

For more information and to keep up to date with their adventure, go to their Facebook page.