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Prince William and Prince Harry prepare to set off on the expedition.

Sentebale was fortunate to be chosen as one of three charitable beneficiaries of Enduro Africa 2008. Unicef, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, and Sentebale are each set to receive in excess of £100,000 from Enduro Africa 2008.

Enduro Africa have committed to supporting Sentebale over three years from 2008 to 2010 by donating proceeds from their intrepid treks. Money is raised for the charities as each rider generously donates a minimum of £1,500 to take part.

Prince William and Prince Harry are joined by representatives from the three beneficiary charities. Unicef's Dr Ngashi Ngongo, NMCF's Bongi Mkhabela and Sentebale's Harper Brown..

There have been two Enduro Africa 2008 expeditions; over 180 riders were split into two groups to tour South Africa's Eastern Cape during October. Sentebale's Patron, Prince Harry, took part in one of these 1,000 mile charity motorbike treks alongside his brother, Prince William, and around 80 other riders.

These challenging motorcycle rides involve eight days of dusty and demanding riding over rugged terrain between Port Edward and Port Elizabeth. Riders face both physical and mental challenges as they negotiate difficult river crossings and tackle steep ascents. This demanding cross-country trek is tackled against a backdrop of spectacular coastline and scenery and the bikers interact with local communities along the way.

Children representing the charities joined the send off for the riders.

Sentebale's Country Director, Harper Brown, was there to wave off the riders for both expeditions. The first started in Port Elizabeth on the 4th October and the second left from Port Edward on the 17th October. Harper used these gatherings as an opportunity to thank some of the riders personally for their support of Sentebale, as well as to tell them more about how their important donations and valuable fundraising efforts will be spent supporting Lesotho's orphans and vulnerable children through our work with our partners.

Prince William meets the children before embarking on the motorbike trek.

Speaking to the participants Harper reminded them why their fundraising efforts and the financial support of events like Enduro Africa 2008 are so important to Sentebale's work.

"This funding is vital. Sentebale has a long term commitment to organisations helping children in Lesotho. We not only provide help to children, we provide management support, training and direct funding to these organisations. And we are one of the few charities who pay for salaries and running costs so our ongoing commitment needs funding."

A group shot before the riders set off from Port Edward.

Sentebale is incredibly grateful to Enduro Africa 2008 for their commitment and support and in particular to the participants for all of their fundraising efforts. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Enduro Africa over the next few years.

To find out more about Enduro Africa go to www.enduroafrica.com

Photo Credit: Karin Schermbruchker