On Spring Bank Holiday Monday The Arc in Caterham-on-the-Hill hosted a Fun Day to raise funds for the charity 'Disability Challengers'. 

On 24th July local girls Sarah Hardy (18), Caroline Brady (21) and Amy Sweeting (21) will be setting off on a 10,000 mile rally from Goodwood Motor Circuit to Ulan Baatar, Mongolia.  They are undertaking the challenge to help publicise Disability Challengers and are aiming to raise £6,000 in sponsorship to fund its work.  The charity's play and youth schemes provide places for disabled children and young people to play, make friends and have fun.

"The three of us have worked for Disability Challengers for the past few years," said Amy.  "We want to raise some money for them so decided to take part in the Mongol Rally, but the car has to have an engine of 1 litre or less!"

500 teams are taking part in the rally and Amy, Sarah and Caroline will be the only all-female team. They will be travelling with no support crew and as they admit on their blog, they have no mechanical knowledge.  Luckily, the guys at the local garage have promised to give them a few lessons before they leave! 

During the Fun Day at The Arc on Monday, disabled youngsters were invited to paint the Suzuki Wagon that the girls will be driving to Mongolia. 

Artistic Director at The Arc, Beth Wood, said:  "We're very glad to be a part of this. The Arc has had tremendous support from the community since we opened on February 13th. Every day people are buying shares to help us to survive and grow and we have over 25 regular volunteers. This is our chance to give something back. Working with youngsters with disabilities is at the heart of our policy." 

Sarah, Caroline and Amy will be getting out and about promoting the rally before they leave in July, and will be at the Oxted Carnival on Saturday 3rd July and the Oxted Pram Race on Friday, 9th July.  For more information about the challenge and to sponsor the girls, visit http://www.disability-challengers.org/mongolrally.