Posted by Rohit, 8th August 2025
In February 2025, Cathy and Camille set out on a journey that would take them far from home and even further out of their comfort zone. Their destination? The Moroccan desert. Their vehicle? A vintage Renault 4L. And their mission? To drive for a cause that mattered.
What is the 4L Trophy?
The 4L Trophy isn’t your typical rally. It’s not about speed or competition. It’s about solidarity. Each year, hundreds of students travel thousands of kilometres through France, Spain and Morocco to deliver school supplies, food, and donations to children and communities in need.
For Cathy and Camille, it was a chance to turn adventure into action. With months of planning, fundraising, and mechanical prep behind them, they hit the road ready for anything. What followed would leave a lasting mark not only on the communities they met, but on themselves.
A 6,725-Kilometre Adventure of a Lifetime
Thanks to the support of their sponsors and a lot of hard work, Cathy and Camille were able to make that mission a reality. They covered 6,725 kilometres, crossing mountain roads, desert tracks and unfamiliar cities in a car that had more spirit than modern parts.
“We laughed, we vibrated with emotion, we cried - with joy, of course,” said Cathy. “This adventure will stay with us forever.”
Their Renault 4L held strong held strong through it all, except for a small issue with a shock absorber screw, which they handled without drama. “Our shock absorbers were probably too good,” Cathy joked later. For the most part, the car ran beautifully, and so did their journey.
Helping Hands Across Borders
But this wasn’t just about surviving rough roads or celebrating an adventure. The heart of the rally was always about the people they could help along the way.
At the starting point in Biarritz, they handed over 10 kilograms of non-perishable food to the French Red Cross. In Merzouga, Morocco, they delivered two full crates packed with school and sports supplies for the children supported by Enfants du Désert. They also raised funds for local associations, including Cap Eco Solidaire, which supports educational and environmental projects in the region.
The 2025 edition of the rally, overall, made a real difference. Across all teams, participants helped raise more than 18,000 euros and collected over 22 tonnes of donated items. Medical equipment was delivered to hospitals. Dozens of new bicycles were given to children in remote villages. And volunteers like Cathy and Camille spent time directly with communities, learning just as much as they gave.
A Journey That Changed Everything
As Cathy and Camille reflected afterward, it was clear that this trip left a mark far beyond the road.
"Driving through the desert in our little Renault 4L was something we’ll never forget," they said. "We laughed, cried, got tired, got lost, and found so much joy along the way."
"It wasn’t just a road trip. It was a real adventure. One that changes you deep down, that makes you appreciate life more and want to live every moment to the fullest."
That spirit carried them through long days, unpredictable terrain, and moments of uncertainty. What started as a challenge became a powerful experience in resilience, empathy, and perspective.
"We came back with sand in our shoes, memories in our hearts, and a fire inside to keep going, dreaming, and doing good," Cathy said.
A Rally That Stays with You
Cathy described the experience as a mix of challenge and emotion, filled with moments that caught them off guard and made the long days worthwhile.
“The rally reminded us that adventure isn’t just about getting somewhere, it’s about how you get there, and who you meet along the way,” she said.
For Cathy and Camille, the 4L Trophy wasn’t just a rally. It was a reminder of what happens when you say yes to something difficult, throw yourself into the unknown, and give what you can to people who need it. They came back with more than memories. They came back changed!