Help for Heroes
In 2010, Eric Jackson saw his 47 year old record for driving from London to Cape Town being broken, but had no regrets. The Max Adventure team who finally broke the record did so to raise money and awareness for Help for Heroes, a charity which assists servicemen and women who have been injured in action.
“It’s a very worthy charity indeed” Eric said as the team set off ”and I wish them the very best of luck”.
After Max Adventure’s success, Eric was asked about the differences between undertaking such a journey in 2010 and 1963. He said “They broke the record fair and square. Believe me, if GPS, mobile phones, satellite tracking and so forth had been available in 1963, we would have used them too. Mac, Chris and Steve from Max Adventure have done a splendid job – it’s a rough trip – and the guys generated funds for a worthy charity”.
The press however, were quick to point out the differences. Max Adventure, they noted, had a three-man team and a specially-prepared 4 x 4 vehicle in addition to modern technology. They also pointed out the changes over the years in road conditions, availability of petrol and water and communications.
“In 1963 my family back home didn’t know whether I was dead or alive. I admit it would have been nice to send them an email from time to time. ” chuckled Eric “Imagine – ‘Hello you lot, had a shoot-out with Somalian bandits the other day but we’re OK. We won’t be long now. Put the kettle on, eh?’ Yes, that would have been OK.”