11 March 2008
A Corsican hospital worker from Bastia, is to take part in the rally Aicha des Gazelles to help raise funds for underprivileged women and children from Morocco.
Patricia Battesti is the only Corsican to take part in the challenge; she told Corse Matin: "We often help charities but in that case we know we are giving for a specific cause."
Patricia and her husband also organise 4WD excursions in Corsica through the association Corsica Jeppers.
The rally first started in 1990, and more than 100,000 has already been collected for this year's event.
No less than 192 women from 14 different countries will take part in the challenge and drive to Morocco and then through the mighty desert of the country on their buggies, quad bikes and 4WDs.
The gazelles, as Moroccan men call women, will help support various associations such as Solidarite Feminine and Bayti.
During the event the Medical Caravan will follow the rally in the desert and give over 1,500 consultations in eight days.