Mum's charity mission hangs in the balance (From Croydon Guardian)

Coulsdon mother needs thousands in a fortnight to take on challenge

2:46pm Friday 17th August 2012 in News By Nick Hitchens

A mother of two’s dream of tackling a gruelling desert humanitarian aid challenge is hanging by a thread as she aids to raise thousands of pounds in a fortnight.

Nathalie Gager, who will turn 40 in November, is aiming to drive 3000 miles through Moroccan desert in the Cap Femina Aventure challenge in October but has to stump up most of the £15,000 required by September 3.

Despite months of fund-raising the social care worker, from Chaldon Way, Coulsdon, has collected just over £3,000, almost £6,000 short of the sign-up fee.

She said: “We have been working on it 24 hours a day I’m exhausted but at the moment I am well short. Most women have to wait three years or so before being able to do it, so I am beginning to feat I will have to defer. I had so much support from the husband and children so it would be such a shame if all that comes to nothing.”

Designed solely for women, the Cap Femina Aventure sees teams drive for ten days from the South of France to the north Africa desert, stopping off to conduct charitable work along the way.

Mrs Gager, said: "It is not about speed, you are given a destination, maps and a compass and it is about plotting the best route. Because there is no element of speed you have time to stop and we will be repainting a school and dropping off all kinds of sporting equipment and teaching equipment for the community."

Inspired by her younger sister Ludivine, who conquered the challenge last year, Mrs Gager, who is originally from France, hopes to head out to France on October 1.

She has arranged a barn dance at Godstone Farm on August 30 to help collect extra funds, and is calling on anyone interested in supporting her cause to visit chergui.co.uk