Laura Russell

A CHARITY stunt to raise money for Porchlight has fallen through.
The Mongol Rally, a race from Mongolia back to the UK in a small car, did not raise cash for the charity due to animosity between team members.

"I ended up owing my friend money and didn't actually raise any," he said. "One of the team members was a close mate of mine, and the other was a stranger who had agreed to come with us. The third guy decided to abandon us at the last minute after a huge argument, so we were without a technician and had to pay to get home by other means!"

The third team mate, who cannot be named, attempted to take control of the entire trip and caused poor relations between the other two boys.
"We didn't click from the start, and it made things very difficult," said Max. "He provoked a lot of people in other countries that he shouldn't have provoked. One night he even got drunk and threatened my life, so I knew at that point it had to end."

After the rogue team mate abandoned Max and his friend, the pair had to fork out for alternative means of getting home. As a result, both were left out of pocket and funds were lost rather than raised for charity.

"I'd do it again though," said Max. "It would be great to do the stunt for a non profit organisation next time, as the Mongol Rally itself takes a cut for its organisers of any money raised."

UPDATE - 14.06pm

HOMELESS charity Porchlight have commented on Max and his team's fundraising efforts.

Press Officer Mark Parry praised the lad's charity attempt, even though no cash was raised. However, he also expressed concern at extravagant fundraising stunts and made it clear that Porchlight would not support any dangerous events.

"We would not advise anyone to take on a challenge or fundraiser that would pose any significant risk to
themselves or others; events organised by Porchlight would be fully risk-assessed," he explained. "We would not be able to officially support any fundraising event undertaken by an individual that we felt would be
dangerous or where the appropriate precautions hadn't been taken."

Mark also advised that potential fundraisers use the Virgin Money Giving website from now on, which will ensure that sponsorship is paid for and secured up front.
" Solely relying on pledges from individuals does pose the risk of non-payment and loss of funds," he said.