Back in April last year, one man set off on the adventure of a lifetime - cycling solo across the globe to raise as much cash for charity as possible.

Sam Johnson, from Broadstairs, set himself the challenge in a pledge to raise money for UNICEF.

So far, the 32-year-old has made his way through 17 countries, pedalling an impressive 11,000 kilometres.

He said: “Back in April 2017 I set off on a challenge that would consume the next three years of my life, if not longer.

“It would take me around the world, through approximately 35 countries, across five continents and test my fitness to the limit.

“It was a challenge that I didn’t even know if I was capable of as I’d never attempted anything like it before.

“So what was the challenge that meant leaving the comfortable life I’d found myself living back in the UK since returning from Australia late in 2016?

“Well, I wanted to cycle, solo, around the world. Eight months later, after pedalling a little more than 11,000kms through 17 countries, the smile is still as big as when I left.”

Mr Johnson admits he had no biking experience - apart from playing around on mountain bikes as a child.

He added: “I’m finding that not only am I enjoying it but it’s not as hard as I thought it might be.

“Sure, at times it’s been tough but overall, I’m surprised at how quick the kilometres roll past.

“As I’ve chosen to attempt the trip in a self supported style, meaning I camp on the side of the road most nights and prepare and cook my own meals, it means I can travel cheaply too which, with a maximum budget of £10 a day, is pretty helpful. Each day has brought new experiences.

“In Kazakhstan, the vast deserts in the west took me five days to cross and I barely saw a single person, only the local camel population kept me company.

“The sunrises each morning are something I’ll never forget.

“In Turkey, I witnessed first hand the amazing hospitality that it’s people are famed for, with daily offers of food and water and numerous invites from locals to stay the night or have a much needed shower.

"Some experiences weren’t so enjoyable, like camping in Transylvania and listening to the bears approach the tent in the dead of night or, thanks to the weather, taking 12 days to cross the Caspian Sea, a journey that normally lasts just two.

"But whether good or bad, each experience just adds to the overall adventure.”

Reflecting on why he undertook the challenge, he said: “In truth, there are many reasons.

"For one, I’m addicted to the thought of the challenge and finding out whether I’m capable of completing such a trip.

“I’ve also been obsessed with travel for many years now, having given up a conventional life in the UK back in 2011, selling close to everything I owned - house, car etc - to pursue travel full time.

“But one of the main reasons behind jumping in the saddle was I believed, after spending so much time “taking” from the world, that it was time to give something back.

“The challenge of cycling the world gave me an opportunity to do just that by raising awareness and vital funds for a charity who’s work, I believe, helps make the planet a better place, UNICEF.

“I’ve set myself the target of raising £50,000 by the time i get back to the UK, a big ask perhaps but one I think is doable."

Mr Johnson is in Nepal at the moment, and will be heading to Thailand where he'll carry on through south east Asia before arriving in Australia.

"After that, over the next few years, I plan to cycle up through South American into Central America and on up the west coast of America until I reach Canada." he added.

"From there, I’ll turn east and start working my way back to Europe, arriving home, if all goes to plan, sometime in 2020.

"In total, it’s a journey of more than 50,000km and I’m sure many more challenges lay ahead, but I’m feeling more than ready to face them.”

To find out more and stay up to date with Sam’s adventure through regular blog posts and videos from the road, visit his website www.pedalingtheglobe.com or connect with him on Facebook, Instagram or twitter simply by searching each platform for Pedaling The Globe or hitting the links on the website.

If you’d like to donate and help Sam achieve his target of raising £50,000 for UNICEF UK, click here