A PAIR of friends are more than a third of the way through an epic trip to South Africa which will see them covering 30,000 miles.

Carl James, from Chalfont St Peter, and Tom Picton, from Beaconsfield are currently in Nairobi, Kenya after being on the road for four months for their challenge To Hel and Back.

The duo set off from Buckinghamshire and are travelling to Die Hel near Cape Town in a P-Reg Land Rover Defender to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research and Link Ethiopia.

Mr James said: “The lows of our trip have undoubtedly been mechanical issues, arriving in Nairobi we found the chassis was cracked whilst we also repeatedly overheated in the Sahara desert in Sudan.

“The highs have been crossing the Sahara desert in 50 degree heat and reaching the Equator.”

They will cover 40 countries in 11 months and will travel back once they reach their destination.

They hope to raise £10,000 for Link Ethiopia, which supports education in the country, and Alzheimer's Research.

Mr James added: “Aside of the major milestones, teaching with Link Ethiopia in Gondar was a fantastic experience and made all of the fundraising and effort we have put in all the more worthwhile.

“As is often the case people can make a place, and we were amazed at the generosity and warmth of both the Sudanese, Ethiopian and Kenyan people.”

To find out more and sponsor the lads go to www.tohelandback.org.uk.