For Hope and Healing - Oxford to Cape Town overland

Oxford to Cape Town in a Land Cruiser

Why? It's for charity. Chris Brennan, a former Marine and disabled veteran, and Celine Makolla, a biologist with a heart for children, are embarking on an overland journey across Europe and Africa to draw attention to charities that have made a personal difference in their lives. They are representing K9's for Warriors, Eagle Fund, Lawrence's Roundabout Well Appeal, and Help for Heroes. After visiting South Africa and going on safari to escape his struggles with PTSD, Chris found a measure of healing and decided that, in addition to supporting these charity organizations, raising money to send another service member on an African Safari would be an excellent opportunity for them to find emotional recovery.

The pair's trip, sponsored by Taubenreuther GmbH, Expedition Lighting Systems (ELS), and LabRak, has already begun. Nick Callum of ELS had this to say, "We stand behind [Chris and Celine] and I'd like to support [them] to the fullest. Our company will go above and beyond in our support. I can't express how thrilled I am to be a part of [their] journey, life experience, and recovery. I want to make a difference with [them]; changing people, lives and influencing them in a positive way. I want the muffled voices heard, the minds opened, and the life achievements made. I will do everything in my power to help, and I look forward to spending time with Celine and Chris. It is truly an honor."

The truck, a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser, has been purchased and driven from Oxford, UK to Ergste, Germany. The rest of the preparations are being completed at Taubenreuther's facilities in Kulmbach, Germany, and will be followed by equipment testing in Morocco. After these tasks are completed, Chris and Celine will begin the rest of the expedition taking them across Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and into South Africa.

To follow their adventure, and to find out more about the charities they represent, visit www.safari-expeditions.com

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