A BRITISH CYCLIST is attempting a gruelling test of endurance to raise money for charity.

Peterborough-based Daniel Martin will ride through Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa before reaching Cape Town in the far south of the continent.

Leaving at midnight August 21 from London’s Trafalgar Square, the incredible journey should take between eight and 10 months, with Daniel determined to raise in excess of £10,000 for worldwide charity ‘Right To Play’ which uses sport to enhance child development in areas affected by war and disease.

On the way, the adventurous 24-year-old aims to climb Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, and Africa’s mighty Mount Kilimanjaro.

The recent focus on Africa through Live8 and the G8 summit inspired Daniel into action.

“I love sport,” he said. “And I firmly believe it can help develop confidence in disadvantaged young people. Right To Play already has projects in Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia and I’d like to raise as much money as possible to help the cause.”

His journey takes him through some of the most troubled countries in the world, such as Sudan, but Daniel is not phased by what lies ahead.

“In Britain, it’s easy to view Africa as an unstable continent through what we see on the news. But many of the problems are localised,” continued Daniel.

Cycling for around eight hours a day, he aims to make good time riding through Europe, but will choose early morning and evening when travelling across the equator.


Having already cycled from John O’ Groats to Land’s End in six days, completed two marathons and walked the full 84 miles of Hadrian’s Wall in 29 hours, Daniel is determined to finish his latest challenge.


“It’ll be something to tell my grandchildren,” he said smiling.

To learn more about Daniel's journey, visit his website, http://www.londontocapetown.co.uk