TWO men are facing the challenge of a lifetime as they gear up to travel a third of the way around the earth in under just four weeks.

Adam Ataar and Alex Collard, both from Woodford Green, are taking part in the Mongol Rally 2007, in a bid to raise a minimum of £1,500 for two charities, Mercy Corps Mongolia and Hopes and Homes for Children.

The two, both 25, have formed the team, Rusty Rhinos, and will be travelling in an old car that has an engine with a capacity of 1 litre .

"I've always wanted to participate in a rally." says Mr Ataar "This is a great opportunity to raise funds for two really important charities."

Mr Collard claims the experience was something he couldn't miss out on.

He said: "When Adam suggested the rally, I didn't want to miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime and joined the rally team without hesitation.

"It is also brilliant that we can raise money for charity at the same time."

Mercy Corps alleviates suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.

Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided more than £500 million in assistance to people in 81 nations.

Hope and Homes for Children works in conjunction with overseas partners in Eastern Europe and Africa to provide a family and a future for orphaned or abandoned children The event starts on July 21 at Hyde Park, London, with the aim of reaching the finish line in Ulan Bataar, Mongolia.

The boys, both ex-Woodbridge High School students, will be on their own, with no support team, and no hi-tech navigational equipment.

To sponsor Rusty Rhinos visit their fundraising page on www.justgiving.com/themongolrally2007.