Mount Toubkal Challenge

Pair set to drive to Morocco in Morgan Plus 4 Narrow ahead of summiting North Africa’s Highest Peak.

Two members of staff from Kent based international fountain designers, The Fountain Workshop Limited, are preparing to embark on an unforgettable journey to the highest mountain in North Africa. Managing Director, David Bracey and Project Designer, Ioana Predescu will leave Chatham for a 16-day adventure to summit Morocco’s Mt Toubkal which they will reach on the 21st of April at an elevation of 4167m, with the sole aim of raising money for two important charities – The Quest School and Just a Drop.

Dubbed the ‘Toubkal Challenge’, the pair will begin their journey on 12th of April from The Fountain Workshop’s home at the enchanting Chatham Historic Dockyard from which they will drive a Morgan Plus 4 Narrow Body two-seater car across France and Spain before crossing on a ferry to the North African nation. Once they have parked up in the mountain village of Imlil they will climb for 5 days to reach the summit where they will endure just 12% oxygen levels and sub-zero temperatures. In order to prepare for the arduous journey to the peak of Mt. Toubkal, David and Ioana are taking on 15 months of high adrenaline challenges. They have already conquered the Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals trails, hiking unassisted through Iceland’s volcanoes and glaciers and wilderness from Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) to Skogar, as well as further training expeditions across the Lake District and Brecon Beacons. Their training continues.

Speaking about the challenge David/Ioana said: “To be able to put ourselves through these adventures whilst raising money to help two fabulous causes is a pleasure, an honour, and a privilege. The difficulties we are enduring are nothing compared to the challenges that Just a Drop and The Quest School face on a daily basis.”

The climb and journey itself present a momentous challenge but not nearly as steep as the challenge that the pair have set themselves, to raise over £50,000 for two charities that mean a lot to them. The Quest School is an independent school and charity for pupils aged 5 to 19, founded in 2003, to create a specialist learning environment, designed around the specific needs of pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and learning disabilities.

And Just a Drop is a global charity dedicated to providing clean water and sanitation solutions to communities in need around the world. Through sustainable projects and partnerships, they strive to improve health, education, and livelihoods, empowering individuals and transforming lives. The challenge has also attracted the attention of Golden Globe winner, Hugh Laurie, who said, “Everything David and Ioana are doing is of the very toppest drawer, and they have my endorsement, for what it’s worth…. The causes sound splendid, and the adventure mouth-watering! I hope the toes recover. I do not need to see photographs.”

Additionally, the challenge has seen support garnered from renowned explorer, Col. John Blashford Snell CBE, Travel Presenter and Writer Charley Boorman, and cricketer turned artist Jack Russell MBE.

To support the Toubkal Challenge and to find out more about the challenge, please visit: https://toubkalchallenge.com/

About The Fountain Workshop
The Fountain Workshop is an award winning team of designers, artists, and engineers who work all over the world to create engaging and innovative water features. They have a passion for water and a fascination with the way in which water can enhance an environment. Recognised as one of the leading companies within this niche market, and established in 1996, The Fountain Workshop Ltd is known for the expertise they provide at all stages of design, build, and aftercare. Consisting of a Design Office, Site Team, Electrical Workshop, and Project Management Team, the company’s unique approach to the field of water features and sculptures is largely as a result of the vision and drive of David Bracey as Managing Director, and the sustained effort of the team he leads. The company works worldwide with a focus on achieving outstanding results. They don’t just think like designers or engineers, they think like their clients and members of the public.

About Just a Drop
Just a Drop (Registered Charity No 1100505) brings sustainable safe water, sanitation, and hygiene projects to communities, transforming lives. For more information visit: www.justadrop.org Photos, interviews and further copy available: [email protected] About The Quest School The Quest School (Registered Charity No 1106112) was founded to create a specialist learning environment designed around the specific needs of pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and learning disabilities.
For more information visit: www.questschool.co.uk or contact [email protected]