TOUBKAL CHALLENGE
David Bracey and Ioana Predescu are embarking on an amazing journey with the sole aim of raising money for two fantastic charities – The Quest School and Just a Drop Committing to a year-long, arduous regime, of intensive training in the wilderness and mountains of the UK and Iceland, they are then heading to the highest mountain in North Africa, Mt Toubkal in Morocco's Atlas Mountains accompanied by just a single local guide and two pairs of very tired feet! As if that isn't enough, they will make the journey from their expedition base at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, to the valley beneath Mt Toubkal in a beautiful classic Morgan motor car.
Our Story
How did The Toubkal Challenge start?
In January 2024 we decided that we could extend our love of walking and adventure to raise money to help young people so started looking for something challenging yet not too commercialized and familiar. It transpired that we had both previously been higher than 2500m, so we started looking for something well above that altitude and which could be reached as a small expedition. For comparison the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, is at 1347m so we knew that we would need our passports.
We agreed that we would cover the costs of our adventures personally so that all money raised would go direct to the chosen causes. Therefore, it was important to keep costs down and make this a no-frills venture. Hours of research threw up Mt. Toubkal as being the most appealing option for us. With its summit at 4,167m it is the highest mountain in North Africa, presiding over the majestic unspoilt Atlas Mountains in Morocco. What particularly excited us about Mt. Toubkal were the views, the colours of the country, and the potential for us to travel there in a classic car from our expedition base in Chatham’s Historic Dockyard, in Kent where our workshops are. What could be better than combining a serious road-trip with a spectacular mountaineering challenge?
In order to prepare for Mt. Toubkal, we agreed that the Toubkal Challenge should actually be a 15-month period of challenges and training which culminates in summiting Mt. Toubkal. The plan evolved to include unassisted hikes across the volcanoes and glaciers of Iceland, the Lake District, and the Brecon Beacons but the finale of our adventure begins on the 12th of April, 2025, when we will load up our Morgan car with everything we will need and set off for Morocco. (See TRAINING for an account of our nail-biting experiences in Iceland.)
Our route will take us across the English Channel into France, through the Pyrenees into Spain, to Morocco via the ports of Tarifa and Tangier, and into the Atlas Mountains. We will park the Morgan at the mountain village of Imlil which is just about in the middle of Morocco. From here we will team up with our guide which is a requirement stipulated by the Moroccan authorities. This is a very sensible rule with which we are very happy to comply because it ensures our security in this remote part of the world. A guide is also essential because at this time of year the conditions on Mt. Toubkal can be very unpredictable and a guide is the best way to ensure we find the correct routes to the summit, arriving on Monday 21st April 2025. The air at these altitudes will be just 12% oxygen compared with 21% in the UK, and we can expect the temperatures to drop to -20°C so there is a need to prepare for both snow and shale underfoot.
This won’t all be hardship and discomfort because we will be welcomed along our journey in the mountain villages and refuges where we have been promised exquisite Moroccan cuisine and an introduction to local habits and traditions. We look forward to making many friends in a truly breathtaking environment and learning about local customs and cultures.
The return journey will take us across land back to Tangier and a ferry to Tarifa in Spain from where we travel to Bilbao before sailing home via Southampton on 27th April. Accompany us on our journey to raise money for these two fantastic charities The Quest School and Just a Drop. Please give generously and get in contact if you want to hear more about us or our kindness adventures.
Support these charities via Toubkal Challenge
Just a Drop is a global charity dedicated to providing clean water and sanitation solutions to communities in need around the world. Through sustainable projects and partnerships, we strive to improve health, education, and livelihoods, empowering individuals and transforming lives. From building wells and water systems to promoting hygiene education, Just a Drop works tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to this basic human right. Join us in making a lasting impact and creating a world where clean water flows for all.
The Quest School is an independent school for pupils aged 5 to 19, and registered as a charity. Quest was founded in 2003, to create a specialist learning environment, designed around the specific needs of pupils with Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) and learning disabilities. Our pupils all have highly complex needs and therefore require a bespoke and individualised programme of learning, in order to fulfil their potential.
“What David and Ioana are attempting is top drawer, and they have my full-throated support. The causes are splendid, and the adventure mouth-watering. I hope the toes recover. I do not need to see photographs.”
Hugh Laurie
“What David and Ioana are doing for Just a Drop and The Quest School is simply terrific. I can’t endorse their efforts enough and encourage everyone to get behind them and be generous with donations. Come back safely from Toubkal!”
Jack Russell MBE
“To climb Mt Toubkal is no easy challenge, but I trust David and Ioana will get some pleasure from their valiant endeavour in such a worthy cause. I don’t envy them the climb but would love to be going there and back in David’s splendid Morgan. God speed them and a safe expedition.”
Col. John Blashford-Snell CBE:
Stay in touch with us
Email: [email protected] , Email: [email protected], Email: [email protected]
Join us on our journey and stay by our side as we take on this challenge together. Your support and involvement are invaluable as we strive to make a difference.
What a wonderful card to receive from our lovely friends at The Quest School. Beautiful work. Thank you from The Toubkal Two xxx @hughlaurie @jackrussellart
2
My teammate David Syd Lawrence has MND in a bad way This print available for donations £150 or above Syd + me making test debut VERY Ltd Edition Every single penny (excl p&p) goes to Syd and his family For details email me [email protected] or [email protected] #MND
CHECK OUR TRAINING UPDATES
Discover the excitement! Explore our lineup of upcoming events and be part of the action. Your presence adds to the energy and success of our community. Join us for an unforgettable experience!
| Event | Description and Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fundraising | Join us for breakfast at the Brands Hatch Morgan Kent 45 Maidstone Rd, Borough Green, Sevenoaks TN15 8HA | 1743886800 5th April 2025 |
| Toubkal Expedition | 1744444800 12th April 2025 - 27th April 2025 | |
| Fundraising Dinner | Brooklands Hotel, Weybridge, KT13 0SL https://www.justadrop.org/Event/toubkal-challenge-dinner | 1742063400 15th March 2025 |
Total Amount Raised so Far : £18,515
PATRONS AND HEADLINE SUPPORTERS
