A keen cyclist from Harpenden is gearing up to travel more than 8,000 miles through Africa to raise money for Christian Aid.

Nick Simon, 58, who has lived in Harpenden for 30 years, will set off from Cairo next Friday, and plans to arrive in Cape Town in just over 11 months on December 19.

His journey will take him through 13 east African countries including Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Kenya, where he will visit and volunteer with organisations working with Christian Aid local partner organisations.

Mr Simon has travelled extensively in the past, visiting countries including Haiti and Bangladesh, so he is mindful of the work Christian Aid does.

He said: “I want to do what I can to help reduce extreme poverty around the world.

"I have supported Christian Aid for about 20 years and they do a great job working to help people lift themselves out of poverty globally, as well as their campaigning here in the UK."

He also explained what motivated him to take on the challenge, adding: “I have always had a bicycle, but it’s this Cairo to Cape Town Challenge that has really got me back on it.

“I cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2014 as part of the preparation for this.

“I take inspiration from those older than me who have done extraordinary things, such as Ulrich Inderbinen, who climbed the Matterhorn in his 90th birthday year in 1990 – he retired from climbing aged when he was 95.

“There are plenty of others – in 2013, Diana Nyad swam 110 miles from Havana, Cuba to Key West, Florida when she was 64. And I’m just going on a bicycle ride.”

Lorette Minghella, chief executive of Christin Aid, said: “We are thankful to have such committed supporters such as Nick, who are helping us in our quest to eradicate the causes of poverty in the countries where we work.

“We believe the world can, and must be, changed so everyone can live a fulfilled life, free from poverty.

“We look forward to keeping up to date with Nick’s challenge through social media and wish him the best of luck for his journey ahead.”

Follow Mr Simon on his journey at www.Facebook.com/nicksimon29.

To sponsor him, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/nick.simon.