A charitable 15-year-old will cycle a distance equivalent to the width of Kenya to raise money for a trip to the country next year.

Joseph Pompei from Hersham will complete the 664-mile theoretical cycle ride on a stationary bicycle, donated by Surrey Cycle of Addlestone, to raise the £4,000 needed to fund his trip in August 2015 with Camps International.

The teenager’s cycle ride began at the Heart shopping centre, Walton, on Saturday, July 19, and he was supported by a fire appliance from Walton fire station.

His father Andy, a firefighter at Esher fire station, said: "Joe is not a cyclist he is a rugby player and so his first two hours of continuous cycling was hard work but he managed to cover 20 miles during his first time out."

During his trip next year, Joseph will help to build sustainable housing and hospitals, digging wells and planting trees.

To sponsor Joseph on his journey, visit kenya2015pompei.weebly.com.