Fathers to bike across Africa (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fathers to bike across Africa

THE fathers of two teenagers with life-threatening illnesses are embarking on an incredible journey to South Africa for charity.

Rodmarton-based Nick Clarke, 49, and old friend Nick Graham, 47, will set off in October from a picturesque pub in Coates.

On December 15, three months later, they hope to be met in Cape Town by Nick Clarke's son Tom, a keen sportsman, on his 13th birthday.

The teenager, who goes to Deer Park School, has leukaemia and his father is taking part in the cycle adventure to raise funds for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

Nick Graham, who met his friend in Paris nearly thirty years ago, is also hoping to raise thousands of pounds for a good cause.

Daughter Robyn, 17, has been battling anorexia since she was 12 and her father's charity of choice is EDA (Eating Disorders Association).

But aside from the challenge of raising at least £50,000, the two Nicks are also preparing for a dangerous and arduous adventure.

"It's not a life threatening trip, but it's high risk," they said. "Probably the highest risk is that one of us will kill the other. But we can't wait to start."

The Cotswolds to Cape Town Challenge, which starts at The Tunnel House Inn, will finish at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, where Nick Graham once worked.

On route, the pair will travel through 13 countries and two hostile war zones as they traverse through the vastness of Africa.

They will follow the Nile into Sudan, cross the equator and its tropical rainforests, follow the foothills of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania before they finally reach the game reserves of Zululand and South Africa.

Nick Clarke said: "We are confident we will make it in time for Tom's birthday - the only possible time problem is getting across borders.

"Libya is also a bit of an unknown quantity for us. Apparently we have to have a guide, which will be interesting because we are on motorbikes."

However, while Nick Clarke has been riding bikes since he was a teenager, Nick Graham only recently passed his test - although he did do it first time.

He said: "Once we get through Paris and France I will be happy. I'm more used to Africa - the M25 is a frightening prospect for a beginner on a bike."

The dynamic duo would like to thank Andrew Freeland at The Tunnel for his support, as well as BVM Moto in Stroud for lending them two bikes to promote the trip.

Would-be sponsors are also invited to come forward, not just to help raise money but supply camping and communication equipment as well.

For more information call 01285 841421 or email cotswolds2capetown@yahoo.co.uk