My experience of working with Shu is that just to arrive on the start line with a crew and all the logistics in place is a major achievement.
It is!
Wilko mentioned it when he was guest speaker at the AUK dinner. Even a man of his ability wouldn't find it easy to raise the money. He quoted at least £20,000 minimum, which I agree with.
Hoppo is also struggling and still needs about £2000.
Daniel Moores has done all sorts of stuff like gone to either Antartica or Artica, Can't remember which, so he's well practiced in getting sponsorship. (He works for Morrison supermarkets, so he isn't paying for it all himself) He just writes hundreds of letters to companies.
Then, when you've got the money, you need a support crew of at least 8, including a doctor and two support vehicles IIRC.
Riding the unsupported Trans Continental or Trans American, as organised by Mike Hall, seems more attractive to me.