A charity trip across Europe and Asia ended in a dusty ditch in Kazakhstan for two intrepid travellers.

With 7,000 miles behind them and just four days to go to their destination, their 18-year-old Suzuki 4X4 catapulted off the track, bounced and rolled over several times.

Inside were 22-year-old Thomas Ramsden, of Kildwick, near Keighley, and 23-year-old Jamie Giles, of London - both knocked out cold.

When they came round seconds later, they knew their charity dash to Ulaan Bataar, the capital of Mongolia, was over.

The axle on the jeep was smashed, the front end squashed and the roof buckled.

"We felt that if it was to end before we got there, this was the best way rather than to break down and have to limp away," said Thomas, now back studying at Edinburgh University.

"We were gutted. We had had a wonderful adventure. The first part was like a road trip across Europe, but then we entered Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

"Uzbekistan was impressive. The people were amazing. Whenever we stopped we got a swarm around us. Kygyzstan is stunning. We travelled across mountains, 3,500 metres high."

Despite the premature end, the pair raised a total of £4,000 for a host of charities, including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and MacMillan Cancer Support.

"It was a trip of a lifetime, travelling nearly 8,000 miles and passing through 14 countries in five weeks," said Thomas, who hopes to attempt the adventure again next year.

The Mongal Rally challenges people to make the 8,000-mile journey from London to the Mongolian capital in a vehicle which is as economical as possible. Four-wheeled vehicles must be less than 1000cc.

  • Wayne Barrett, 31, of Beechcliffe, Keighley, completed the journey in August on a 90cc Honda Cub, restored by Roger Henderson and Keighley College students. The bike cost him just £180.
e-mail: clive.white@bradford.newsquest.co.uk