Carlie’s Crossing – A Race For Life

If someone told you that 61 individuals would fly 6,000 miles to race the length of Sri Lanka in 22 tuk-tuks, you’d probably think it was absurd—and frankly, dangerous. Having just completed this adventure, I’d say you’re absolutely right.

Why We Did It:

On March 9, 2021, my childhood friend Carlie Tufnell lost his battle with depression. He was charismatic and incredibly kind, with a wide smile and happy-go-lucky nature. He struggled with dyslexia but found solace in the arts, especially theatre and photography. Before university, he lived in Sri Lanka - an adventure that brought him peace - and stayed with my Sinhalese grandmother.

So, when I found myself rattling along the roads of Ella in a tuk-tuk in 2023, the idea struck: What better way to celebrate Carlie’s life than his family, friends and supporters racing across the island, retracing his steps in a land that he loved, all in his name? I was certain Carlie would have approved.

The Race:

Fast forward to December 30th, 2024. 22 tuk-tuks lined up in Anuradhapura, engines revving in the pouring rain. Less than an hour earlier, none of us had ever driven one. After false starts, no starts, and a fashionably late start from Carlie’s younger brother Albi, we were off.

For those that expected a sunbaked stroll through a tropical paradise, down tranquil winding roads, think again. Tuk-tuks are often described as glorified lawnmowers with little more than a letterbox-sized windscreen. Throw in buses making high speed overtakes round blind corners and wild bull elephants as on coming traffic and you’re getting there. 

New Year’s Eve at Helga’s Folly (my grandmother’s home) was a turning point. Carlie’s father, Mark, gave a speech reminding us:

It was a incredibly powerful moment that I struggle to articulate. The race transformed into something greater - a tribute to those we've lost and a reminder to reach out to  those around us who may be struggling and to speak if you yourself are.

Who We’re Supporting:

We raced for two incredible causes:

📍 The TEA Project – Providing education and opportunities for children in Sri Lanka’s tea plantations, some of the poorest areas in the country. We stopped off to meet TEA's children en-route and it was incredibly moving to see the impact these donations will make.

📍 The Carlie Tufnell Charitable Trust – Set up by Carlie’s parents, this charity funds mental health support, learning difficulty aid, and engagement in the arts, supporting areas close to Carlie's heart.

The Finish Line – And What’s Next:

After 6 intense days and driving over 500 km, we reached Weligama, where Carlie’s great friends, Hunny and Monte Grainger, were crowned winners - a fitting finale.

So far, we’ve raised £75,000 through multiple fundraising pages and direct donations. Many of our previous fundraising links have now closed, so to help us reach our £100,000 target, we have created this page specifically to attempt to raise the remaining £25,000.

💙 Your support helps us honour not just Carlie, but everyone we’ve lost to depression. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal and makes a lasting impact in memory of those we have lost.

This race is a celebration of life, friendship, and the enduring bond we share with those we love, even after they are gone.

👉 Donate & Learn More: www.carliescrossing.com

Written by Gus Levinson.