A TEAM of four will embark on a 13,000 mile-rally to Mongolia in a van to raise money for charity.

The friends, who all work for global aviation components supplier Avtrade, will set off from the company’s headquarters in Sayers Common, near Hassocks, in July to travel to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.

During the four-week journey across two continents, the group will go via Avtrade’s new China office in Guangzhou.

Luca Galelli, 25, marketing executive at Avtrade, said: “I am looking forward to taking part in this epic challenge and getting to see the many sights and experiencing the cultures along the way.

“We will be travelling through South East China and will aim to finish the trip in four weeks if all goes to plan.

“All of our bosses are very excited for us to complete the challenge and we will be raising money for some very good causes. The final route we will end up taking depends on the visa requirements for each country and whether that part of the trip goes smoothly.”

Mr Galelli will be joined by Dan Gravenor, 23, from Denton, Kylie Levoi, 29, from Findon and Scott Pederson, 29, from Shoreham.

As they travel through 15 countries across desert and open plains and through forests and cities, the team will be exposed to the elements in an experience of a lifetime.

The current route they have planned will take them through England, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Khazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Mongolia.

Mr Galelli said: “Preparation for the final trip is extensive, starting with the vehicle as we will be living out of a Ford Transit for four weeks.

“We have tried to make the vehicle as comfortable and homely as possible.

“We have built beds in the back of the vehicle and we have a sink which will provide water from a tank on the roof.

“By the time we leave in July we will know the route like the back of our hand.”

The charities the four will be raising money for are Go Help, Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice in Angmering and national charity Mind.

For more about the trip, visit www.avtrade.com/mission-mongolia/.