Entrepreneurs from the UK embark on a 1000-kilometre auto rickshaw rally from Chennai to Goa
The Hindu
About 54 women entrepreneurs from the UK drive an auto rickshaw from Chennai to Goa for charity, empowering women and children as part of Sisterhood Group UK titled “Let’s Goa 2025 Rickshaw Rally”
Rachel Vetch and Katrina Hutchinson hop on an auto rickshaw. Not as travellers this time, but as drivers.
These two British nationals, along with 52 other women, all in the age group between 23 and 62, arrived in Chennai on March 4 to participate 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 adventure from Chennai to Goa, aims at raising between ₹1 to ₹3 crores to empower women and children in India.
Katrina explains that all the participants are entrepreneurs, founders, CEOs and CFOs who have taken time off for this charitable event, while continuing to work remotely. “I will be joining the board meeting on my way to Vellore now,” says Katrina. Rachel adds, “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 temporary licenses exclusively for this rally.
The rally was flagged off at the Sir & Lady Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Matriculation School, West Tambaram, with 18 auto rickshaws, each carrying three participants. “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.
The Sisterhood Group (founded in 2006) is a collective of over 150 women from the UK who push boundaries to raise funds for women’s and children’s charities worldwide.
Since their founding, the Sisterhood Group has been on a mission to create meaningful change. Through extreme challenges, including dragon boating across the English Channel, participating in the Amazon raft race, and running the Marathon des Sables, they have raised over £1 million for charitable causes.
Emma Sayle, founder 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.”
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