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An adventurer who is planning to cycle 18,000 miles in six months is due in Dover this weekend.
James Ketchell, 31, from Basingstoke aims to be crowned Britain’s ultimate strongman by completing an endurance hat-trick of cycling around the world solo.
He has already climbed 30,000 feet to the summit of Mount Everest and rowed 3,000 miles solo across the Atlantic - and all this only three years after doctors told him he may never walk again following a motorcycle accident.
If he completes the 18,000 mile cycle, he will become the first man to have ever accomplished all three feats.
James is due to set off from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park at noon on Sunday and is expected to arrive in Dover at 8pm.
Around 50 local scouts will cycle alongside him on the first leg of his tour.
Earlier this year he represented Great Britain by completing the gruelling 15-mile Fisherman’s Friend German Strongman Run obstacle course in less than four hours.
“I can’t wait to get started on my cycle,” he said. “I’ve been planning this trip for months and with the help of my sponsors Fisherman’s Friend, it’s just amazing it’s finally coming to fruition.”
James hopes to raise £18,000 for The Elifar Foundation which aims to help disabled children and adults.
“I’m hoping that for every mile I cover, at least a pound will be raised for Elifar. It’s such a good cause and one that really does make a difference. It’s also a pretty cool thought that I will become the first man to have rowed 3,000 miles, climbed Mount Everest and cycled around the world.”
James plans to cycle upwards of 150 miles per day and has obtained sponsorship from a number of sources. He will record his journey with the help of a production company.
An official Scout Association ambassador, James will be visiting different scout groups in each country he visits to fill them in on his adventures.
To follow his journey and to support him visit: www.jamesketchell.net