Phil & Toj
 
A big part of this project is going to be about sharing ... (ahh isn't that nice). We want you to see what we get up to on our trip (within reason!) and we would love to know about any interesting charity events you lot have organised or are planning while we're away. We also want to know if you have any advice or ideas on places we should visit along the way and if you have any questions for us please get in touch. So in the interest of making this whole affair more personal, here is a little more information about us.

As the story goes Phil & Toj became friends in the second year of secondary school, while the exact circumstances of this meeting are a little hazy and much debated, it is upon this awkward adolescence that their endearingly close (if slightly disturbing) friendship is based. After spending the emotional rollercoaster of school and college together, we
are now 10 years down the line and Phil has just graduated from Kings College London in English Literature and Toj has just completed his honours degree and teacher training from Edge Hill University in Key Stage 2/3 Education and Science. This should mean that at least one of us is responsible and well organised and the other can lucidly express what they see, but I wouldn't be too sure about that. It is amazing what three years of university will actually do to your brain.
 
Phil
 
  At 22 years old Phil finds himself obsessed by all things food related (I wrote my dissertation about it ... oops) and he has a passion for saying he'll go to the gym and then not bothering. He has an obvious love of reading which revolves around poetry, unusual bits of theory, and any odd trivia he can get his hands on. (I like the idea of a novel but anything more than 150 pages seems like such a commitment).
 
Toj
 
  With Toj we should probably start with the name. For those of you wondering, it's an acronym for Tony Oliver Jackson and a label he acquired as a wee boy, from a family that obviously express love through mockery. Toj (Anthony) is also 22 years old and is an avid enthusiast of film and cinema. Toj also is a great lover ... of live music and comedy, ranging from motown/soul to indie/rock. Toj disputes that he's not obsessively tidy, but believes everything does have its place (it's just being organised that's all!).
 
... & The Van
 
The Van (yet to be named) was 'born' on 02.12.05 in Newbury and since then has lived and worked out its days as a compressed air assistant engineer ... until now! The Van was united with Phil & Toj on 13.08.08 and is looking forward to a successful journey around Europe with them. The Van's hobbies include ornithology, programmes with Toby Anstis and listening to happy hardcore.

The Van, Phil & Toj would like to thank all of our sponsors and those who have supported our campaign and The Genesis Appeal so far.