Team of friends motor across mountains to raise £2,000 for Southampton cardiac charity

A team of three friends have motored more than 8,000 miles to Kazakhstan in the ‘cheapest car they could find’ in aid of a Southampton cardiac charity.

George, Adam, Felix and their 2002 Nissan Micra ‘Bessie’ have taken on the world-famous Mongol Rally to support Heartbeat – a leading charity delivering vital treatment and support to cardiac patients and their families.

The team met in Prague before heading off on their gruelling six-week journey to Kazakhstan, adding a grand total of 8,126 miles to Bessie’s clock. The challenge has raised more than £2,000 for Heartbeat.

Hailed as ‘the greatest motoring adventure in the planet’, the Mongol Rally is an internationally loved charity challenge which sees brave drivers take on 10,000 miles across mountains, deserts and roads.

At the helm of the white knuckle ride was 22 year old George Héroys who was born with a life-threatening heart condition and has received support from Heartbeat ever since his birth.

George said: “My condition meant I had to have open heart surgery at six days old. My journey is a testament to the life-saving care provided by the incredible cardiac unit Heartbeat supports. This is a really remarkable charity that’s very special to both myself and my family.”

George and his family have been active advocates for Heartbeat’s work, with George’s mum organising the ‘pink ticket party’ – a black tie ball held in Liphook with dinner, live music, auctions and a raffle.

Commenting on the challenge, George added: “Overall, it was a really successful trip – but we did suffer some setbacks! We broke down half an hour after starting and had to deal with a lot of engine overheating that meant we cut holes in Bessie’s bonnet. However, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It was an experience me, Adam and Felix will truly treasure.”

Community Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Tanya Harder said: "Having first met George and his family at the Pink Ticket Party in 2024, I was struck by the incredible support surrounding them—not just from friends and family, but from corporate partners too. When George later reached out to share that he, Adam, and Felix were taking on such a tough but truly inspiring challenge, I was speechless. At Heartbeat, we feel honoured to have supported George and his family when they’ve needed us, and to continue being part of their journey. George, Adam, and Felix are remarkable individuals, and we cannot thank them enough for coming together to take on the Mongol Rally in aid of Heartbeat."