It's -30 degrees in parts of Russia and the locals are busy preparing for another cold, harsh winter. But two Flight Centre consultants from London are doing just the opposite, heading-out into freezing temperatures with just a scooter and side-car to protect them from the extreme weather.

Aiming for a world first circumnavigation of the globe in a scooter and side-car, the duo are doing this challenge to raise awareness and fight modern slavery. So far on their expedition they've been through 16 new tyres, used up an estimated 372 tanks of fuel and burnt out 5 clutches.

Reece Gilkes, one half of the globe-trotting team, said their biggest challenge is yet to come, “We're about to take on the toughest part of the trip so far. Temperatures are likely to be as low as -30 degrees in Russia and we're not even sure if the scooter will start in that cold!”

The intrepid pair have already scooted their way through 5 continents and 28 countries, that's 26,000 miles over 378 days and a whopping 936 hours on the road.

With an estimated 40 million people currently trapped in slavery, Matt and Reece are taking on this huge challenge to raise awareness and funds for the fight against this modern-day issue. The pair have met with groups and individuals dedicated to the fight against modern day slavery in its varying forms. From vulnerable refugees and migrants on the streets of Paris, to ex-guerrilla warriors forced into slave labour in Athens, the pair have been further inspired by the stories they've heard.

"We've been visiting organisations fighting slavery all around the world and it's by far the most interesting part of the trip”, said Reece. “With each visit, we learn of a new, awful incarnation of modern day slavery, but we always leave inspired by the resourcefulness and the tenacity of the people fighting it"

As well as aiming to inspire genuine change, the project has a fundraising target of £50,000 which will go towards the organisations fighting modern day slavery and other human rights abuses – including Unseen UK and the local organisations visited en-route – as well as helping fund the costs of the trip.

Matt and Reece met with Unseen UK at the very start of their journey. “Too many people still believe that slavery is a thing of the past,” said Tabitha Ross, Head of Communications at Unseen UK. “In order to really consign it to the history books, first people need to recognise that it still exists, and take action such as looking out for the signs of slavery and calling the Modern Slavery Helpline with any concerns. As Seen from the Sidecar is a fantastic initiative raising awareness and opening people's eyes to the slavery in our midst"

Flight Centre is supporting the campaign, as the company's success comes down to its people; experienced Travel Experts who are passionate about finding their customers the holiday they want, for the price they want.

To learn more about the expedition, or to donate to the cause, visit https://asseenfromthesidecar.org/pledges/ and follow @Asseenfromthesidecar on Facebook, @SeenfromSidecar on Twitter or as_seen_from_the_sidecar on Instagram.

-Ends-

For further press information, please contact:

Hannah Carlisle / Natalie Garland / Emma Arthurs

Rooster PR

T: +44 (0)20 3440 8924

E: FlightCentre@rooster.co.uk

www.rooster.co.uk

About the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG):

The Flight Centre Travel Group (fctgl.com) is one of the world's largest travel companies with over 18,000 staff and 2500 stores across its leisure, corporate and wholesale businesses. The company's turnover in 2014/2015 financial year was £9 billion. After starting with one shop 30 years ago, FCTG has enjoyed remarkable growth and is one of the top 100 publicly listed companies on the Australian Securities Exchange.

All specialist brands under the FCTG Corporate banner offer 24/7 support and the benefits of a blended offline/online solution; global negotiation strength and unique and superior business travel products.

About Flight Centre:

The team at Flight Centre are experts when it comes to travel and are committed to providing customers with a great experience. The company's success comes down to its people, experienced Travel Experts who are passionate about finding their customers the holiday they want, for the price they want.

Since establishing the first Flight Centre store in 1995, the business has grown its team of Travel Experts to include over 80 stores within the United Kingdom, with new stores opening regularly. Worldwide, Flight Centre has an amazing 2,500 stores across the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, United States, Canada and more, making Flight Centre one of the largest and most successful independent travel retailers in the world. With its global reach and close relationships with the world's best travel providers, the company is able to provide competitive travel deals.

The Flight Centre team can organise anything from flights and hotels, car hire, tours, travel insurance, visas and more to tailor make the perfect holiday. They also have dedicated First and Business Class flight teams and Business Travel teams to help with any specialised travel needs.

For more information go to www.flightcentre.co.uk, www.facebook.com/FlightCentreUK, www.twitter.com/flightcentre_UK or www.instagram.com/flightcentreuk.