His journey began on Thursday (1 November) when he set off from North Devon Hospice’s in Barnstaple, heading for France, the first of 20 countries he will travel through en route to South Africa.
Russell owns an outdoor adventure centre in North Devon and has been a regular supporter of North Devon Hospice.
Russell said: “My knowledge of hospice care has grown since I started the partnership with North Devon Hospice, I see a lack of awareness of hospices in Africa and I hope that my arrival at each hospice along the way will help to raise the profile of hospice care within that country.
“We have been planning this for many months, so it’s hard to believe that the moment has now arrived. To finally set out on the open road, knowing I won’t stop until Cape Town, seems pretty surreal but I’m very excited. There have been so many hurdles to overcome, such as applying for visas and finding safe routes through certain countries. I didn’t even have a motorbike license so I had to pass my test as well!
“It is all worth it though, because I know I’m doing it to raise money for a very special charity. What North Devon Hospice does in our community is just incredible, and most of it goes on unseen. They make a real difference to the lives of so many people, so I’m proud to be doing something to help.”
Emma Lowe, from North Devon Hospice’s fundraising team, praised Russell for the ambition he has shown to undertake this adventure and for his commitment to supporting his local hospice. She said: “Russell is a very determined guy, and when he came to us several months ago saying he wanted to do a solo ride to Cape Town, I knew he would make it happen.
“I’m delighted he has chosen to support North Devon Hospice again, and I know it is a cause he believes in strongly. To have raised more than £5,000 for the charity before he has left the UK is fantastic and once he hits the road I’m sure even more people will be inspired to support him. Every penny pledged to Russell’s epic mission will go directly to North Devon Hospice, helping us care for local people affect by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.”
Russell will travel through France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Turkey, before catching a ferry to Africa. He will land at Port Said, Egypt, then travel through Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and finally arriving in South Africa and making his way to the most southerly tip of the continent near Cape Town.
He will be regularly blogging on his website throughout the trip, giving updates on miles covered, countries travelled through and the hospices he has visited. To keep up to date with where he is on his journey, and also to make a donation to the cause, visit www.hospiceafricanadventure.co.uk and www.justgiving.com/hospiceafricanadventure
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