Rachel Vetch and Katrina Hutchinson hop on an auto rickshaw. Not as travellers this time, however as drivers.
These two British nationals, together with 52 different ladies, all in the age group between 23 and 62, arrived in Chennai on March 4 to take part in the Sisterhood Group UK for Let’s Goa 2025 Rickshaw Rally, organised in collaboration with Madras Midtown Round Table 42 and Madras Midtown Ladies Circle 7. This 1,000-km journey from Chennai to Goa, goals at elevating between ₹1 to ₹3 crores to empower ladies and kids in India.
All the individuals turned proficient in driving the rickshaws inside simply two hours. They have been issued non permanent licenses completely for this rally
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Special Arrangement
Katrina explains that every one the individuals are entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs and CFOs who’ve taken day without work for this charitable occasion, whereas persevering with to work remotely. “I will be joining the board meeting on my way to Vellore now,” says Katrina. Rachel provides, “Most of us are bikers and accustomed to endurance training. We trained for just three hours to drive an auto rickshaw, and we’re excited for the challenge.” They have been issued non permanent licenses completely for this rally.
The rally was flagged off at the Sir & Lady Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Matriculation School, West Tambaram, with 18 auto rickshaws, every carrying three individuals. “While one of us drives, the other navigates and the third can either focus on work or play music to keep us entertained,” says Katrina.
A complete of 18 auto rickshaws with three individuals in every was flagged off on March 6
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The Sisterhood Group (based in 2006) is a collective of over 150 ladies from the UK who push boundaries to increase funds for ladies’s and kids’s charities worldwide.
Since their founding, the Sisterhood Group has been on a mission to create significant change. Through excessive challenges, together with dragon boating throughout the English Channel, taking part in the Amazon raft race, and working the Marathon des Sables, they’ve raised over £1 million for charitable causes.
Emma Sayle, founding father of the Sisterhood Group emphasises, “Our mission goes beyond adventure — it’s about empowering women, building networks, and creating a better future for children. We aim to cover 1,000 kilometers in six days, and along the way, we will explore local sights and spread awareness.”
Poornima Subramanian , chairperson of LC7, factors out, “We believe in the power of women supporting women. This initiative is a testament to the strength of collaboration and shared vision.”
Organized by the Sisterhood Group UK in collaboration with MMRT42 and MMLC7
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Special Arrangement
This is Cerys Furlong’s — an ed-tech entrepreneur from Cardiff — first go to to India. She anticipates that navigating Indian site visitors and climate could also be their largest challenges. “But I’m feeling positive and overwhelmed by the cheer and support we’ve received. By the way, I absolutely love dosas and idlis! I plan to explore more local cuisine along the route — my husband, who is a chef, even gave me some tips,” she chuckles.
The 18 auto rickshaws will set out by 6am on a regular basis, and take breaks each three hours to relaxation the car. By 6pm, the group checks into a resort to relaxation and plan the subsequent leg of their journey. A assist car with assistants and mechanics follows the rally to guarantee a clean experience till they attain their ultimate vacation spot.
Funds raised by this initiative will likely be directed in the direction of MMRT42 and MMLC7’s ongoing tasks, together with anaemia prevention, ladies’s ability coaching for monetary independence, and academic packages in tailoring, residence nursing, and palliative care.
To comply with their journey, go to their Instagram deal with: @thesisterhoodgroup.
Combining endurance, philanthropy, and cultural exploration, these trailblazers are proving that empowerment is aware of no boundaries
Published – March 10, 2025 04:54 pm IST
