The 737 Challenge

In 2011, three of the Mon Motors Group Audi centres (Bath, Bristol and Cardiff) are supporting a man on a challenge that became a world first when completed. The aim was to become the first person to stand on all the continental summits and all three poles in the same calendar year - The 737 Challenge. So here is a brief insight in to the man who completed this challenge and his motivation for attempting such an astounding feat of strength and endurance. Introducing Richard Parks...

Many of you may recognise Richard from his days as an international rugby player for Wales and great clubs like Pontypridd, Leeds, Perpignan and Newport Gwent Dragons. But, when Richard's rugby career was ended prematurely because of a persistent shoulder injury, he was left wondering what direction his life would take now that rugby was not an option. Whilst reading Sir Ranulph Fiennes' book, Richard was captivated by the mental, physical and technical challenges of polar travel and the 7 summits. Some months later Richard worked in conjunction with mountaineering expedition world leaders Jagged Globe and developed the world first that became known as the 737 Challenge.

In December 2010 Richard started the unique, multi discipline 737 Challenge. And on Tuesday 12th July 2011, the former Wales Rugby International completed his world record challenge of conquering 7 Summits, 3 Poles in 7 Months in 06 months, 11 days, 07 hours and 53 minutes.

Over the coming months we will be promoting Richard’s amazing achievement and our involvement, in all three Audi centres which will hopefully encourage customers and staff to enter the competition and donate £3 to this amazing challenge.

Richard' 737 Challenge aims to raise £1million for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Richard's life, like so many people has been affected by cancer and his father Derek is a cancer survivor. Marie Curie Cancer Care provides hands-on nursing care, totally free, to give terminally ill people the choice of being cared for and dying at home, supported by the people they love. Marie Curie is also the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS, providing specialist care to the large number of terminally ill people who wish to be cared for in a hospice setting.

Our Audi centres in Bath, Bristol and Cardiff, have donated a brand new Audi A1 as a prize which is being used by the 737 Challenge team to fund raise through a "Text to Win" campaign. So please support Richard and his challenge by entering the competition to win a brand new Audi A1 1.2 TFSI by simply answering this question:

The Summit of which mountain is regarded as the world's third pole?

A: Everest
B: Pen Y Fan
C: Snowdon

Donate £3 to the 737 Challenge by texting the word SUMMIT along with your name and answer (A, B or C) to 70007.

Text messages cost £3 plus your standard network message charge (based on your service provider rates).To view full terms and conditions visit www.737challenge.com

The charge will appear on your mobile phone contract bill or be taken from available funds on a non-contract mobile phone (PAYG). A minimum of 80% of the donation will go to the 737 Trust.