In June, Helen Hitchcock, one of Safe in Sussex’s patrons and her team of adventurers, left the UK to travel 1,100kms across India via Tuk Tuks, in aid of Safe in Sussex.
The 8 intrepid travellers have decided to undertake the Deccan Odyssey. Joining Helen are her friends Sarah Hand, Anna Tidey and her friend Yasmine, Amanda Duke and her son Tom, mum and daughter Deb and Emma Tatum. They are going to drive from the sandy beaches of the Arabian Seas, through the mountains of the Western Ghats down to the busy city of Mumbai, not however in cars or anything sensible, but covering the 1,100kms in Tuk Tuks.
Helen Hitchcock, owner of Sakala, a gift shop in Steyning which sells ethically sourced items from India said “Why do we do these things? I am asked often by many people, why not is always my reply! Life is for living and exploring, and sharing experiences with others is just magical and if you can raise some funds along the way that is an added bonus. So, we are four teams of two, a mum and son, a mum and daughter and two groups of friends, all out to have an adventure!”
The team have sponsorship from Tatum Racing, Arundel Care Services, Arri, Visual impact VI Rental, Anton Bauer, Chandler Kent, Private Wealth Mortgages, Golden Barn Garage, Steyning Post Office, Tuk Tuk Shop, Sakala and 24-7 Drama, as well as receiving generous private donations. They have already raised over £13,000.
To celebrate the return of the Tuk Tuk Adventurers a colourful ‘Shocking Shirts and Funky Frocks Garden Party’ will be held on Sunday, 25th June at Sussex Prairie Garden, Henfield. As well as the beautiful garden to enjoy, there will be live folk music, Indian goodies to buy and a tombola.
Louise Gisbey, Safe in Sussex’s Deputy CEO said: “Once again Helen has rallied a team to go on an adventure with her and raise much needed funds so that the charity can continue to support people experiencing domestic abuse. We are so grateful to all those taking part in the Deccan Odyssey. Having been a passenger in Helen’s Tuk Tuk I know it won’t be the most comfortable of journeys and I am sure driving on the roads of India will be a challenge.”
If you want to support this group of adventurers please take a look at their Just Giving page. tinyurl.com/2cphkyjr
Or if you want to get involved in any other way, please contact fundraising@safeinsussex.org.uk
Debbie West, Safe in Sussex