Not only is Lucy Osborne, 22, frantically studying for her final university exams, she is preparing to get behind the wheel of 'Tadpole', an old Ford Fiesta, for the Mongol Rally.

Lucy will take on the challenge in July to raise money for charity alongside fellow Cambridge University student Beatrice Heller, 21.

Under the team name of Bee Lucky, the brave pair – who say they have little mechanical knowledge – will be travelling 10,000 miles from London to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, on their own – with no rescue service, no route and at times no road.

You'd expect the team to be driving a flash rally car with all the mod cons to make sure they make it to their destination.

But entrants are restricted to driving clapped-out motors.

Lucy said: "We're really excited, but it'll be tough. We've got a lot of work to do over the next couple of months – we've got to learn all about cars!

"Otherwise if we breakdown in the middle of the Kazakhstani desert it will be up to us to find a camel to tow us out!

"Our chosen vehicle is a 1994 Ford Fiesta that desperately needs some tender love and care before we leave. She will need new suspension, tyres, brakes and more!"

To take part in the race, the team have to raise at least £1,000 for charity.

Lucy, who is studying natural sciences, added: "The Mongol Rally isn't just about adventure, it's also about raising huge sacks of cash for some great charities. We're supporting Mercy Corps Mongolia and SWORDE-Teppa – a reconstruction and development organisation."

Two Blackpool men Richard Todd and Andy Hall, both 23, have also decided to take on the charity challenge which will see them drive across Europe and through Asia.

They are raising money for three humanitarian aid charities: Mercy Corps, Hopes and Homes for Children and the Christina Noble Foundation.
To sponsor Bee Lucky or to help out with spare car parts e-mail teambeelucky@googlemail.com

Or log on to www.mongolrally08.theadventurists.com/beelucky to vote on whether the team will make it!