A PAIR of fundraisers who drove to Georgia and back to raise money for a Reading mental health charity have returned from their trip.

Chris Pengilly and Mark Barrett set off on their journey in a 30-year-old truck called Tonka to raise money for the Reading based charity, No5, last month.

READ ALSO: 3000 mile drive to Georgia to raise money for Reading mental health charity No5.

No5 provide free counselling and mental health support to 11 to 25-year-olds who live, work or study in the RG postcode.

Not only did the pair reach Tbilisi in Georgia, they went on even further to Armenia and didn't once break down.

READ ALSO: Reading's No5 mental health charity extends school workshops thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players.

Mr Pengilly said: “Tonka has a few more rattles now, but it’s not surprising a few screws fell out, the local roads were unbelievably rough."

Mr Barrett added: “The trip through Western Europe was pretty much as expected, although we had a huge storm in Italy which brought the traffic to a halt, but once we crossed over into Turkey, and Asia, the world changes.

“The borders were a particular problem. Long queues of lorries, up to 11 ½ miles, and very thorough checks on everything, especially Tonka’s paperwork.

"We were usually held for around 3 hours, but they wouldn’t let Tonka into Georgia for 3 days sorting out a bureaucratic issue."

Mr Pengilly added: “It was a tremendous adventure and good fun, but it’s good to be back home, even if it’s a bit cooler since we left!”

Carly Newman from No5 said: “We are so proud of Mark and Chris for completing this challenging road trip to Georgia and want to thank them and all the supporters on behalf of the young people we provide counselling to at No5."

The trip was supported by Thimbleby and Shorland auctioneers, Francis Construction and Premium Car Parks which means that every penny raised goes straight to the No5.

To donate please visit the Just Giving page here or you can donate £5 by texting 'TONKA' to 70085.