CHENNAI: In a bold display of grit and global sisterhood, 35 women entrepreneurs from the United Kingdom have embarked on an extraordinary journey: driving auto-rickshaws over 1,000 kilometers from Chennai to Goa. The “Let’s Goa 2026” rally is more than an adventure; it is a powerful mission to raise funds and awareness for causes supporting women and children.
The rally flagged off from Chennai at 9 a.m. on March 3, with participants navigating the bustling streets and highways of South India in the iconic three-wheelers. For these women, many of whom learned to drive an auto-rickshaw in just two days, the journey blends personal challenge with profound purpose.
More Than a Road Trip
At the heart of the initiative is Emma Sayle, founder of the Kensington & Chelsea Group (KK Group) in the UK. She sees the rally as both a demanding adventure and a powerful statement.
“As the founder of the group, I see this as both a challenging and adventurous experience — and an opportunity to prove that women can endure the toughest situations and emerge victorious. When it is combined with a social cause, the sense of fulfilment is even greater,” Sayle explained.
The rally is organized in collaboration with The Sisterhood Group, a UK-based organization founded in 2006 that has consistently undertaken extreme challenges to raise funds for charitable causes. Their past initiatives include dragon boating across the English Channel, competing in the Amazon Raft Race, and participating in the Marathon des Sables.
Personal Stories, Shared Purpose
For the participants, the rally is deeply personal. Frankie James, who runs a publishing firm in the UK and is taking part for the second time, shared the transformative experience.
“Stepping out of one’s comfort zone to drive an auto-rickshaw and face unexpected challenges is a valuable life experience that boosts self-confidence. We realize that women often endure more than men and can multitask efficiently. Most of us stay in touch with our colleagues and even participate in business meetings while on the trip.”
For Darcy Croft, a new grandmother, this marks her maiden trip to India, and it carries profound emotional weight. Formerly a midwife with the National Health Service (NHS), she recently left her role to become an entrepreneur after a deeply personal loss.
“I was grappling with the unexpected death of one of my patients, who was full-term pregnant. That was when Emma invited me to join this rally in India. As the funds raised will be used for women’s development, maternal health and sustainable livelihood programmes, I joined without a second thought,” said Darcy, who now carries a box of her newly launched product for lactating mothers on the journey.
The Route and the Mission
The seven-day journey will take the participants through a carefully planned route across South India:
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Chennai to Vellore |
| Day 2 | Vellore to Bengaluru |
| Day 3 | Bengaluru to Mysuru |
| Day 4 | Mysuru to Mangaluru |
| Day 5 | Mangaluru to Bhatkal |
| Day 6 | Bhatkal to Goa |
| Day 7 | Arrival and celebrations in Goa |
Building on Last Year’s Success
The 2025 edition of the rally raised over ₹1 crore with 52 participants. This year’s edition is smaller and more focused, led by Emma Sayle, with an emphasis on deeper engagement and measurable impact.
Professional tour operators, Travel Scientists, oversee the licensing process and manage logistics, safety, and on-road support. However, the women are prepared to handle minor setbacks themselves.
“We manage minor setbacks such as change of tyre or fixing the engine by ourselves. We reach out to the mechanics’ team only when we’re unable to manage it,” said Frankie. A support bus follows the rally, carrying luggage, spare parts, and other essentials.
Local Support and Global Impact
The rally is supported locally by Madras Midtown Round Table 42 (MMRT42) and Madras Midtown Ladies Circle 7 (MMLC7) . As Ulagu Palaniappan Circler from MMLC7 noted, “This rally demonstrates how global collaboration can create grassroots impact. It blends adventure with accountability, creating leaders who engage, understand, and build lasting change.”
Donations for the initiative continue to be welcomed through the Sisterhood Rally 2026 online portal, ensuring that the journey translates into tangible support for women and children in need.
Quick Facts: Let’s Goa 2026 Auto-Rickshaw Rally
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Participants | 35 women entrepreneurs from the UK |
| Route | Chennai → Vellore → Bengaluru → Mysuru → Mangaluru → Bhatkal → Goa |
| Total Distance | 1,000 kilometers |
| Duration | 7 days (started March 3, 2026) |
| Purpose | Raise funds for women’s development, maternal health, and sustainable livelihoods |
| Organizers | Kensington & Chelsea Group (UK), The Sisterhood Group |
| Local Partners | Madras Midtown Round Table 42, Madras Midtown Ladies Circle 7 |
| 2025 Fundraising | Over ₹1 crore raised |
| Key Quote | “This is an opportunity to prove that women can endure the toughest situations and emerge victorious.” – Emma Sayle, Founder |
