14th July 2009 - There are easier ways to get to Mongolia, but that’s not the point.  For the two intrepid young fundraisers who have just set off for Ulaanbaatar in a decommissioned ambulance, it’s about helping the Mongolian people. 

And thanks to the support of Britain’s packaging and medical industries, championed by medical bagging experts Automated Packaging Systems, the pair of young women have set out in a fully functioning ambulance loaded with medical supplies for delivery to Mongolia.

The journey will see Alice Paisley and Juliet Waud drive through more than a dozen countries as they cross deserts, mountain ranges and political divides on their 10,000 mile

journey.  The effort is in aid of Save the Children and, on arrival, the ambulance will be donated to a hospital offering a much needed boost to scarce rural healthcare. 

Automated Packaging Systems has led the fund raising efforts, and the Isle of White Primary Care Trust at St Mary’s Hospital supplied the ambulance.  Thanks to lots of additional support from British industry the team set off for Mongolia fully kitted out with hardware and medical supplies. 

Generosity has exceeded expectations and enabled the team to take a very useful vehicle, explains Juliet.  “Initially we’d planned on taking a conventional ambulance to Mongolia but we learned that healthcare is particularly poor in remote areas which aren’t easily accessible.  So we shifted our attention to a 4x4 ambulance and picked up Norbert, our fantastic Nissan Terrano, from the Isle of White. 

“The vehicle is perfect, so huge thanks to the generosity of Automated Packaging Systems, St Mary’s Hospital and all the other companies who have donated in cash or kind.”

As they set off on the mammoth journey Juliet admitted her biggest concern was that she wouldn’t like the food.  Team mate Alice put on a brave face and described herself as apprehensive but excited.  “The journey will be amazing and we can’t wait to hand-deliver the vehicle to the hospital,” says Alice.

“They’re brave girls,” insisted Mike Healey of Automated Packaging Systems, who became involved in the project to mark APS’s 25 years in Europe.  “Quarter of a century on from the start of our own European adventure,  we wanted to support a fresh challenge.  This team’s trip to Mongolia seemed perfect.

“We wanted to send out the message that there can be no barriers when it comes to progress, and these girls are living proof of the value of a can-do attitude.

“With significant funds raised for Save the Children and a fully functional ambulance for the Mongolian people, the team’s epic endeavour is set to deliver benefits on several levels,” he concluded.

Funds raised will be used by Save the Children in Mongolia to help the poorest children get healthcare, food, education and protection, according to Save the Children’s Olivia Zinzan.  “Save the Children are grateful to supporters such as Automated Packaging Systems who enable us to work hard for the rights of every child, and stop millions of young children dying each year.  We’re determined to make further, faster changes to the lives of children in the UK and around the world.”

The team’s effort to raise money for Save the Children continues.  To find out more about Alice and Juliet’s Mongolia Rally adventure and the work of Save the Children in Mongolia, or to make a donation, visit www.apsmongoliarally.com