Photo: (l-r) Mark Cunningham, Pedro Ribeiro, John Moriarty and Paul Concannon.

Four young men who work with Sykes in Shannon, will set off for a challenging adventure on July 23rd to raise funds for charity. The four will drive a gruelling 10,000 in the Mongol Rally, making their way from home to the capital of Mongolia, Ulan Bator .

Known as Exploding Marmalade the group consists of Mark Cunningham from Mullagh; John Moriarty, Killarney; Portuguese native Pedro Ribeiro and Paul Concannon from Ballyforan, Roscommon.

Two charities will benefit from their efforts, the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, which  helps underprivileged children at risk of economic and sexual exploitation; and the Mercy Corps, a team of 3,700 professionals who seek to turn crisis into opportunity for millions around the world.

The trip will be an adventure of a lifetime for all four. They leave Ireland on July 23rd and will travel through 15 countries before reaching their destination. They will travel in a Citroen Berlingo Multi Space van that has been fully equipped for the long trip.

In all 300 teams will participate in the rally including seven from Ireland. It takes four weeks to reach Mongolia. Once the team reach Ulan Bator the vehicle as well as their equipment is given to local charities.

John Moriarty plans to spend some extra time in Mongolia doing some charity work with Mercy Corps with various projects. The other members of the team will return home to Ireland at the end of August.

The group is currently looking for sponsorship for their vehicle and donations from the public. To make a contribution and follow the journey please visit www.explodingmarmalade.com.