7 April - Three men from Norfolk are hosting a Masquerade Charity Ball on Saturday 24 April 2010 to raise funds for a 10,000 mile trip to Mongolia where they will deliver an ambulance to be used by the Mongolian people.  They’re also aiming to raise over £6,000 for three charities, including the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
The three men, James Snow and Jon Rudd who live in Norwich and work for Norfolk Constabulary and Olly Reeve from Kings Lynn, who works at the Corn Exchange, were inspired to enter the Mongol Rally by their desire to combine an adventure with raising money for causes they feel passionate about.  They will set off from  Goodwood Racecourse with other participating teams on 24 July 2010 and expect to reach their destination in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, three or four weeks later.
To fund the purchase of the ambulance and to raise funds for their trip and their three chosen charities, the team mates, who call themselves ‘Nomad Feat’, are holding a series of fundraising events, including the Masquerade Charity Ball.  It will take place at the Noverre Ball Room in the Assembly House, Norwich and features local band the Austin Beats.  Tickets cost £25.  They’re also planning a 100 mile cycle ride along the North Norfolk Coast on 21 May.
Jon Rudd said:  “When we heard about the Mongol Rally, we thought it was too good an opportunity to miss.  We’d become aware that there is a serious shortage of emergency vehicles in Mongolia so thought that, rather than taking a normal car, it would be much better to take a fully operational ambulance which we could then donate to them.   We’ve found the ambulance and now just need to pay for it.
We’re also looking to raise £500 for the Mercy Corps which is helping victims of the Haitian earthquake, £500 for the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation and £5,000 for the EAAA, which is so vital in our region.”
Hannah Clay, EAAA Fundraising Manager for South Norfolk, said:  “Jon, James and Olly have a major adventure ahead of them and the funds they’re hoping to raise for charities, including the EAAA, will make a huge difference so we’re very grateful for their support.  We wish them the very best of luck for their fundraising and, of course, for the Mongol Rally itself.”
To order tickets for the Masquerade Ball or for any further information on Nomad Feat’s fundraising efforts, please visit their website or contact them on 07809 375843.

Pictured are: (L to R) James Snow, Olly Reeve, Jon Rudd