Kunaal Arora, 22, who grew up in Redwell in Wellingborough, is taking part in the Mongol Rally to raise money for Mercy Corps Mongolia and Hope and Homes for Children, which works with destitute children in Mongolia.

Mr Arora, who studied politics and international development, will be joined by his friends Alex Stevenson, 22, Matt Wilson, 22, and Tom Read, 23, who will form the team Ghegis Khan't.

The team was lucky to get a place on the rally, which will set off from Hyde Park in London on Saturday, July 19, as there were 20,000 entries for just 300 places.

Mr Arora said: "We wanted to do something really adventurous and off the tourist trail, and to raise some money for a good cause at the same time.

"We will be driving two 1987 Fiat Panda 4x4 cars, and none of us knows that much about car mechanics, so if we break down we will just be relying on the good nature of the local people to help us out.

"Having said that, we can change the tyres and Alex studied engineering so we might be able to do bits and bobs."

The Mongol Rally has no set route, although there are a number of checkpoints along the way, but the boys plan to drive across Europe, through Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on their way to Mongolia.

Mr Arora said: "We are all really looking forward to the variety of countries on the route and experiencing new cultures.

"I have heard a lot about the fermented yaks' milk and the vodka in Mongolia, so it will be interesting to try that.

"When I told my parents, they were excited for me, but Mum says she doesn't want to hear about the trip until I'm safely back.

"At the moment we are still trying to raise money, along with sorting out our visas.

"Packing is the last thing on my mind – I will probably do that the morning before I go."

The four have raised £2,000 so far, thanks to generous support from friends, family, and sponsors Barker Shoes, Durr Dental, Dejex Supplies and Gallery of London, but they are hoping to double this figure before they set off.

To find out more or to make a donation, visit www.mongolrally.com/ghengiskhan't, or call Mr Arora on 07863 328155.