In April this year, local driving instructor John Barrett of New Quay will leave his car in the garage as he pursues a once in a life time opportunity and travel 20,000km on his motorcycle to Cape Town in South Africa – all in aid of charity. The route will take him down to West Africa where he hopes to raise money for a charity called Street Child helping children who have lost parents to the Ebola virus.

' I decided to do something I have dreamt about for many years - to see the world on a motorbike by riding from the UK to remote places,' explained John, a District Explorer Scout Commissioner.

He added: 'I'm looking forward to seeing the people and the wildlife on the journey, but also concerned with possible corrupt officials at several borders including Nigeria and Senegal. The border between Nigeria and Cameroon is shut because of Ebola, and I'm hoping this will re-open by the time I get there otherwise I'm going to have to find another route or fly,' said John who will be touring for up four months on his Yamaha bike.

He hopes to raise up to £1000 for the charity as he rides from place to place before concluding his journey in South Africa. For further information, visit John's blog on www.john-barrett.uk/Africa.