UPDATE:

Just under five months ago, I set out from home leaving behind everything. Today, some 13,000 km’s later, I've come to an end to this once in a lifetime journey and made it in one piece to Cape Town, South Africa, on a bicycle.

Suffice to say, it’s been an amazing journey. Five months of unadulterated adventure, both the highs and the lows. In doing so, I've been fortunate to see but a fraction of France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and of course South Africa.

In the end though and much like life, it was the journey rather than the destination that made it so meaningful. Rolling into Cape Town was a complete anti-climax as I was overawed by a mixture of emotions. Both ecstatic joy at having completed the cycle and deep sorrow at the thought of not cycling any more.

 

In doing so, I've had the pleasure of meeting some truly extraordinary people, with whom I share great memories and hope to have a lifelong friendship. At this point, I would like to mention the generosity afforded to me, with which there’s no denying I would not have been able to get thus far. It was exactly the joyful and at times fearful moments with complete strangers--with whom I had little in common but our common humanity--that will forever remain etched in my mind. I haven’t even begun to mention the marriage proposal, the near death experiences nor the night spent behind bars (not for conventional reasons either!).

It would also be fair to say that I have experienced hardships seldom felt before, both physically and mentally. I've had to challenge myself to do things I never thought I would, or for that matter could. Admittedly, I felt like giving up during the many challenges faced, but it was the support of family and friends that kept me going. For that I am eternally indebted.

If there’s one thing the journey has taught me, it is just how fortunate I am. Basic necessities I took for granted like piped clean water, food to feed the pangs of hunger, cloths to cover the nakedness and a roof over my head are luxuries not afforded to many in some of the world’s poorest regions. Never again shall I be ungrateful. Never again.

Now I ask you to help me in assisting this great cause. Rest assured that every penny is spent in Malawi assisting the needy. With no admin cost, your donation goes a long way in making a REAL difference to the lives of those less fortunate.

Just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has shown support on this epic journey. Completely overwhelmed with how much has been raised so far, let’s keep up the good work guys :)

Officially just passed the half way mark with over 7,000 kms done (only 5,000 to go :p). Arrived in Dar E Salaam safely and now waiting on a visa for Mozambique before I continue.

I have to say it's been an amazing 2 months cycling through France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and I have to say, I'm looking forward to what's left of Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa.

Don't forget guys, it’s all for a good cause and every penny donated is given straight to the charity to improve the lives of those less fortunate. So please, please do donate generously.

During July 2010, a few friends and I cycled from London to Edinburgh to raise money for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. For me it was the most eye-opening adventure to date where I met some amazing people – most notably a legend going by the name of Daniel Martin.

We happened to meet Dan on our first day (funnily enough when we were lost) in Peterborough - needless to say he quickly became an inspiration to us all. It was Dan (who is an ‘extreme athlete’ - no seriously, this is his job title) who first told us about the London 2 Cape Town cycle. Since then the idea has grown like a virus and I have become almost obsessed - If he can do it, why can’t I?

So, in April 2012 I hope to leave London, England with nothing but two wheels and a frame (okay, maybe a few other bits and bobs) with an eye for Cape Town, South Africa. That’s right you heard right! London to Cape Town on a bicycle! Spreading two continents and 10 countries, I hope to complete this mammoth task in 5 months all in the name of charity.

Many of you know of the famine currently in the horn of Africa where thousands of people have died - including women and children with many more still suffering. It is arguably the biggest crisis of the century with more than 12 million people across Somalia, Kenya, Malawi and Ethiopia in dire need of assistance.

The situation in Malawi has very much been overlooked with primary focus being given to the refugee camps on the relatively safe borders of Kenya. It is for this reason I have chosen a charity that centres its work on the devastated parts of Malawi and its needy families.

Famine Relief for Orphans in Malawi (F.R.O.M) is a grassroots organisation that aims to help vulnerable children and families in the affected regions of Malawi. Having been set up in 2005, F.R.O.M. is a simple charity run by passionate individuals making the most of what they can. I truly believe that they can make every penny go a long way and help to make a real change to the lives of those less fortunate.

Here's a breakdown of how your money could be spent:

£1.50 will provide a family with water treatment for 1 year

£5 will buy a mosquito net (in the absence of any preventable medication, a simple net is often seen as the first and last line of defence)

£10 will provide a family with a starter pack allowing dislocated families to get on their feet once again.

£15 will feed a child for an entire year.

 

Please donate as much as you can and remember every little helps…

Thanks for taking the time to visit my Just Giving page.

Donating through Just Giving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with Just Giving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.