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Ganges 1998-'99 Ambitious project that brought together scientific, educational and design disciplines, centred around a journey by an integrated team of able bodied and disabled men and women.

Summary and conclusion

A team of five men and one woman able-bodied and disabled.

During the team’s four months in India it managed to complete the majority of the proposed journey down the River Ganges, experiencing Indian life both on and off the river. The team however was not able to travel the whole length of the river for two main reasons; logistical problems involving getting medical supplies into India for day to day use by the disabled member of the team slowed progress, in addition security problems in Behair during the team’s journey made travelling through that region impossible.

The time available for pre-expedition fund-raising for WaterAid was limited as expected, so as a result the post expedition educational activities have concentrated on raising the money and awareness we aimed to generate for WaterAid.

During the fieldwork phase the team collected images, data on water quality, recorded sounds and documented its experiences on a Web site during the travels. The information in its range of formats was then used to support the educational objectives of the project throughout the expedition and post expedition activities.

When measured against its aims the expedition can be said to be a success. The team maintained itself during the journey adapting and evolving to meet the needs of the project in a changeable environment. On two occasions when the team was forced to portage sections of the river that decision was reached for the safety of all members of the team and to ensure the cultural objectives of the project were upheld.

Aims

• to travel 1200 miles along the River Ganges in open canoe and white water raft;
• to raise of money for the charity WaterAid (reg charity no.288701);
• to facilitate Educational Tours
• evaluate innovative equipment including the AQUABAC postural support and field toilet by DfL Adventure Designs.

Images

Full report

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Report details

Full Report Title and ISBN

Ganges 1998-’99 Expedition
Adventure Designs
Design for Life Centre
Brunel Universit
Runnymede
Surrey
TW20 OJZ
T 01784 - 433262
F 01784 - 470880
E Adventure-Designs-dfl@brunel.ac.uk
ISBN 1-902316-08-8

Thanks to

Friends family mentors and commercial and charitable sponsors
A team no matter how dedicated, committed, enthusiastic or capable depends on its supporters to undertake an expedition. With the kind support of many individuals, organisations and companies the team reached one of the world's most spectacular locations. The supporters’ commitment and belief in our thirst for adventure helped the team to complete the marathon undertaking.

The team recognises the importance of this support. Along the way, connections were forged, projects developed, and objectives accomplished. The team hopes that the supporters of the project, however small, feel part of a movement to promote the benefits of world-wide equality. Thank you for your support.

• Abbott's - packaging
• Bedouin UK - mosquito tents
• The Body Shop - washing materials
• Brunel University - Web hosting and overall encouragement
• Camlab Ltd - surface water test kit
• Canolfan Tryweryn - welcome home and support
• Cotsworld Camping - water filters
• Crewsaver (Yak) - canoe clothing and lifejackets
• Cumbrian Industrials Ltd - donation
• Dangerous Goods International - science kit transport
• Dark Peak Marketing - 4 sets of sandals and 3 sets of shoes
• Design for Life Adventure Designs - new enabling equipment for disabled adventurers
• Design for Life Centre - office space, PR and marketing support
• DHL International (UK) Ltd - medical kit transport
• First Ascent (North Face) - equipment
• Jessops - photographic equipment
• Mobile Adventure - boats, paddles, dry bags and Peli cases
• The Paul Vander-Molen Foundation - donation
• Random Technologies Ltd - postural support base board
• Salmon Taylor Made Ltd - footwear
• Silva (UK) Ltd - compasses and handheld GPS
• Skystream UK Ltd - emergency signalling devices
• Trans Globe Air Ltd- freight
• United Biscuits - £2500 and wholemeal biscuits, see biscuit menus
• World Challenge Expeditions - medical kits
• Also special thanks to
• Chris Aldous - donation
• Nicky Bassett - photographs
• Gari Beet - medical training
• Jackie Bennett - specialist medical equipment
• Jim Breen-Turner - donation
• Doug Brown - help packing
• Caroline Brymer - support and accommodation
• Paul Chuter - sleeping bags
• Jaqueline Cocken - WaterAid donation
• Elaine Coles - help packing
• Evelyn De Marco - Wateraid donation
• Bev Dickson - support and sewing
• Franco Ferrero - Technical advice and support during planning and logistical organisation
• Captain M A Gittoes - donation of rations
• Ray Goodwin - coaching
• Hansaben Makanjee - sewing tarp
• Jim McGeogh - Ganges '98 Logo
• Mr & Mrs Mehta - donation
• Anupa Mehta - donation
• Staff at Oaklands Adventure Centre - support for Nuala
• Darren Swift - stoves and water filter
• Jeremy Wakeman - support and advice water quality testing project
• Byron Wifayawardena - media support
• Phil Woodyear - support for Mike King