The dizzying heights of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, lamb sacrifice ceremonies in Dakar, and an appearance on Ghana’s equivalent of the Jonathon Ross show; these were just a few of the experiences offered to Alan Wells and Ian Mowbray Williams during a two wheeled expedition, across a stretch of land perhaps more awe-inspiring than any other in the world. The allure of a challenge and want of adventure, spurred on by the desire to make a difference, could only lead Alan and Ian peddling to one place: the vast and breathtaking expanse of the African continent.

During a simple game of pool, a casual conversation about football and work turned into the proposition of a 12,000 mile bike ride from London to Cape Town.  With the inescapable end of University looming, and in an “atmosphere of fear and dread”, Alan and Ian knew that it was time to turn pub talk into reality.

After a pat on the back from Mayor Boris, and with equipment clad bicycles in tow, the pair of young graduates began their yearlong expedition on June 1st 2009. Their low-carbon cycling expedition, named Eye on Africa, will lead them through twenty-five entirely different environments, experiencing everything countries such as Morocco, Gambia, Rwanda, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa have to offer.

Nevertheless, this is no meaningless jolly. Behind Alan and Ian’s trip is a strong desire to contribute to sustainable development and battle the conditions imposed by poverty they will observe along their way. The pair decided to fundraise for Childreach International, a decision made on the judgement that the charity “stood for the same ideals and ambitions that we have regarding Africa and its future”. Through improved education and healthcare, these ideals will empower communities and their children, giving them the opportunity to pursue sustainable livelihoods.

On October 24th, after 6 months of travel, Alan and Ian made it to Ghana, where Childreach International has recently opened a new office. Upon the boys’ arrival in Bolgataga, 40km south of the border, they were inundated by local press and media desperate to meet the pair who had travelled so far on such an extraordinary trip. This even included an appearance on “Thank God it’s Friday”, Ghana’s very own Jonathon Ross show. After a hectic three days of engagements and further travel, the boys arrived in Kpano village, where Childreach International and its partners have transformed a local school: renovating classrooms and constructing a playground. Visiting at a grassroots level, Alan and Ian could see the direct impact of their support for Childreach International’s programmes and how their pedal power and determination has drastically sped up the positive effects of sustainable development.

The journey so far has raised £7,104.49 for Childreach International. Their target is £10,000, a sum which they are confident of raising before the completion of their trip in June 2010. We endlessly thank Ian and Alan for their incredible and inspirational efforts to help disadvantaged children such as those in Kpano village. These children now receive their education in a safe environment, protected from the risk of diseases such as diarrhoea, and provided with amenities that will improve their school performance. You can contribute to our progress toward sustainable development by visiting Alan and Ian’s fundraising website (JustGiving) listed at the bottom of the article, and clicking on donate!

Left: Alan (Right) and Ian (Left) take a break from cycling, by camel trekking across the Sahara.

Right: Alan and Ian (Centre) with Childreach International’s Ghanaian office staff and a rather subdued crocodile.

Donate to the boys, visit their JustGiving Fundraising page.

Visit Eye on Africa’s website and keep up to date with their blog and news.

To have a similar adventure in the name of Charity why not try one of Childreach International’s Challenge Events.