Challenge buzzes into Hyderabad

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Press Release: For Immediate Release – 4th Feb, 2020

Challenge buzzes in to Hyderabad

  • Trans-India Challenge covers 485 miles (780 km) in first three days
  • India embraces ‘Queen Bee’ with smiles and selfies
  • Challenge/Goonj partnership already reaps benefits

The Trans-India Challenge Morgan 3-Wheeler, “Queen Bee”, buzzed into Hyderabad last night (3rd Feb) with its Founder, Alan Braithwaite at the wheel and wife, Pat, in the passenger seat.

Having covered 485 miles (780km) since the team departed from Mumbai on 1st February, they are set for a day’s ‘rest’, although there will be plenty of activity before they depart for Kammam on 5th February.

Along the way, the car and the couple have been greeted with smiles, waves and, of course, selfies – often bringing traffic to a standstill as drivers, passengers and pedestrians stop look at “Queen Bee” and take photographs.

Now halfway along the first leg of the 34-day, four-leg, 3,500 mile (5,600km) road trip, the car is accompanied by a film crew tasked with creating a full-length feature documentary due for release later in 2020. The Challenge is backed by partners Ralph Lauren, Morgan Motor Company, World Wise Foods, Bearing Point and E-Cargo Bikes, as well as the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office under its GREAT brand.

The first three days have proved a significant learning opportunity for Alan and the team: “It has been incredible so far. We are learning a lot about the Indian roads. The drivers are actually very skilled, but we have had to learn the ‘rules’ very quickly. It is not like driving in the UK, but ‘Queen Bee’ has behaved impeccably.

“We have also learnt a massive amount about the work of Goonj”, Alan continued. “We are partnering with them to raise both awareness of the organisation inside and outside India, and also raise £200,000 (1.8 crore rupees) to help fund its ‘circular economy’ projects. Having visited sorting and distribution centres, as well as a partner school, we are only now starting to truly understand the scale and complexity of Goonj’s work with rural communities.”

Extending an enthusiastic welcome to Alan and his team, British Deputy High Commissioner, Dr Andrew Fleming said: “We are glad to welcome Alan Braithwaite to Hyderabad as a legend; not as someone who just says, but one who does. Undertaking this ambitious initiative so soon after major surgery is an example to many. Alan is cast in a similar mould to Goonj, the charity for whom he and his team seek to raise a significant sum; there is huge potential to leverage the circular economy to new levels for the benefit India’s rural communities and Goonj is at the forefront of driving this important message of mind change in cities like Hyderabad.” He added: “I am proud to see the GREAT branding on the Morgan signifying UK government’s focus on collaboration with some of the best manufacturing tradition my country has to offer.”

– Ends –

For further information, or to arrange an interview with Alan and Pat Braithwaite, contact the Trans-India Challenge media office: Peter Brill, David Campbell, Amanda Campbell – media@transindiachallenge.com or +44 (0)7881 387572

To follow the Trans-India Challenge on social media see:

Facebook: @transindiachallenge

Twitter: @TransIndiaChal

Instagram: @transindiachallenge

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trans-india-challenge