Since these folks wanted each participant in the team:- We are asking for a minimum donation of £5,000 (GBP) or foreign currency equivalent for a place on the team.

... they are setting a high level. Of course, some people may well be greared up for that and consider it easy. They state that the cost of five grand gets (got) you on the team and paid all airfares and other fees.

I have not seen any news coverage of their attempt. I don't know if they did start on the 18th. But if they did I would expect to see news of their success or otherwise this weekend.

Ozzy