Students' epic fundraising drive full of eastern promise

Published on Thursday 27 December 2007 09:20

TWO Edinburgh students are to drive to China and back to raise money for research into a form of cancer that has affected both their families.

Mechanical engineering students Alan Fraser, 22, and Rob Hastings, 23, will travel through Holland, Germany, Poland, Belarus, and Mongolia on their way to the Far East.

From China they will head to Kazakhstan, through Russia, then on to the Ukraine, Austria, Italy and France before returning to Edinburgh within three months.

The 10,000-mile round trek is likely to be fraught with difficulty, from car troubles to customs problems. But both men, who are close friends as well as final year course-mates at Edinburgh University, have personal motives to reach their target of 20,000.

Alan's grandfather Ian died of pancreatic cancer just over ten years ago and the disease has also affected members of Rob's family and one of his teachers.

Alan, of Morningside Road and originally from North Berwick, said: "My grandfather died of pancreatic cancer, as did Rob's uncle, and the dad of our best mate from university was recently diagnosed.

"We wanted to try to do something for charity and so went on the charity's website to see what other people were doing.

"We decided to push the boat out and do something more challenging."

At present they are still on the lookout for a car to take them on the trip.

Alan said: "We're hoping someone will maybe donate a 4x4 or maybe one of the manufacturers may give us a press car."

They hope money they raise will help fund research and bring new drugs to the UK.

"At the moment there's one treatment, which treats the symptoms but also had quite bad side-effects," said Alan.

"We've heard about this new drug called HIFU, which does not have the side-effects.

"It originated in China, so we decided to visit the place where it was founded."

The pair are looking forward to the challenge of getting the vehicle to China and back in one piece.

Rob, of Dalkeith Road and originally from Perth, said: "We are looking forward to all aspects of the adventure. I think if we did not break down at all we would be quite disappointed, we are looking forward to solving the problems that come up, exploring the world and coming back a bit wiser.

"I've taken on a few challenges before but nothing on this scale."

They plan to hold fundraising events, such as a golf competition and an auction, before heading off in the summer.