11. Headway Elementary | 5th Edition | Unit 11 | A charity expedition

Summary

A group of friends embarks on a remarkable charity journey called 'Follow That Fire Engine,' driving a big red fire engine around the world to raise money for three charities. The nine-month, 26,000-mile expedition honors Steve's father, a dedicated firefighter, while traveling through 28 countries. Crew members, including Amy, join the expedition at different stages, driving through Europe, Australia, and the Americas. Along the way, they share unforgettable experiences, including crossing iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, all while raising over £100,000 for charity and remembering the legacy of Garth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Follow That Fire Engine expedition is a charity journey to raise money for three UK-based charities.
• 😀 The expedition involves driving a big red fire engine, named Martha, around the world over nine months.
• 😀 The journey will cover 26,000 miles, passing through 28 countries, with a crew of 25 people.
• 😀 The crew includes various members, with some staying for short periods (e.g., two weeks or three months), and others, like Amy, staying for extended periods (e.g., five months).
• 😀 Steve is the primary driver for the whole nine months of the expedition, while other crew members take turns driving.
• 😀 The trip was inspired by the memory of Garth, Steve's father, a firefighter who passed away. The journey honors his memory and raises funds for charity.
• 😀 Stage one of the expedition began in London, traveled through 16 countries, and ended in Moscow, Russia, in two weeks.
• 😀 Amy will be joining the crew for stage seven, traveling from Grays Harbor in North America to various cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and across the Mexican border.
• 😀 Amy's journey will start in Perth, Australia, where she will drive the fire engine to Brisbane before shipping it to New Zealand.
• 😀 The expedition will culminate with a big welcome-home party in the UK, and they aim to raise over £100,000 for charity while honoring Garth's legacy.

Q & A

What is the goal of the Follow That Fire Engine expedition?

The goal of the Follow That Fire Engine expedition is to drive a fire engine around the world to raise money for three UK-based charities, as well as to honor the memory of Garth, a firefighter who passed away.

How long will the Follow That Fire Engine journey take?

The journey will take nine months, covering 26,000 miles, passing through 28 countries.

How many people are involved in the Follow That Fire Engine expedition?

There are 25 people in the crew, but at any given time, only five people will be in the fire engine.

Why did the crew decide to drive a fire engine around the world?

The crew decided to drive a fire engine around the world to raise money for charity and to honor Garth, a firefighter who had passed away. The expedition was also a way to remember his contributions and special character.

What is the significance of the fire engine, Martha?

Martha, the big red fire engine, is the vehicle used for the expedition. It serves as a central symbol of the journey and the cause, and is the vehicle that the crew drives across the world.

What was the first stage of the journey like?

The first stage of the journey started in London and took the crew through 16 countries over 14 days, finishing in Moscow, Russia, on August 1.

What are some of the destinations Amy will visit during the expedition?

Amy will drive the fire engine across Australia from Perth to Brisbane, and then the fire engine will be shipped to New Zealand, where she will continue her journey.

How does Amy feel about joining the expedition?

Amy is excited to join the expedition and looks forward to the challenges ahead, although she is also aware of the emotional difficulties of leaving her family and home comforts for five months.

What are some of the challenges Amy anticipates during the journey?

Amy anticipates the challenges of adjusting to extreme weather changes, such as leaving cold England for hot Australian summer, and the emotional impact of missing home, especially her family.

What is the crew’s plan when they return to the UK?

The crew plans to return to the UK at the end of March, where they will be welcomed with a big homecoming party.