AN ISLE of Dogs family has set off on the longest road trip of their lives.
Ishak Ghani, his wife Alison Murugesu-Ghani and their three-year-old son Adrian, will trade Docklands for the delights of America, Europe and Asia on a two-and-a-half year charity expedition.
The Malaysians in Motion team left their home in Lockes Wharf last Thursday, and were flagged off by Tourism Malaysia’s UK deputy director Razaidi Abd Rahim.
They hope to raise money for pet therapy charity Petpositive.
Captain Ishak said: “It’s a trip of a lifetime. We’re really looking forward to exploring new places and seeing how people receive us.
“It’s a different challenge travelling with a young child. I’d imagine he’ll be asking if we’re there yet every few minutes. But we’re not in any hurry, so we can make a few stops along the way.
The family will be exploring the planet in a four-wheel drive vehicle, packed with everything from medical supplies to Coco Pops. Their hardy mode of transport, which is equipped with a roof tent to provide overnight shelter away from creepy-crawlies, was recommended by the team who followed actor Ewan McGregor on his marathon Long Way Round world trip.
The first few months will be spent in Europe, before the family briefly return to England in September.
The expedition will continue to Cape Town, South Africa in November, before the vehicle is shipped to New York in April next year.
Having explored North America, Canada and South America, the trio will head from Panama to Australia, before heading across Asian countries such as Thailand, China, Pakistan, India and Malaysia.
They expect to return to England in September 2010.
The intrepid group will be keeping a journal of their experiences at www.malaysiansinmotion.com.
They hope to find a sponsor in the Wharf to help them to buy a satellite communications system to allow them to keep in touch at any time and place. Interested businesses can contact them via their website.
