Luke's off on his bike to Sicily! (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Norwood Green man Luke MacWhirter set for 2,500-mile bike ride

2:30pm Tuesday 22nd June 2010 in Norwood Green By Kathie Griffiths, T&A Reporter

For a man who has a phobia of tents and loves his bed, Luke MacWhirter is about to take on the ultimate challenge.

The 22-year-old computer programmer will be leaving behind the comfort of his Norwood Green home in September to cycle more than 2,500 miles through eight different European countries, camping and living off the land on the way, eventually arriving in Palermo in Sicily.

“This challenge is a big ask for someone like me who hates camping and loves my own bed.

Luke who will be travelling with university friend Dave Scotland.

The pair came up with the wacky idea after driving across the States from New York to Las Vegas last October. “We did that, came back and then were desperate to get out of the country again so we came up with this ridiculous plan to justify our escape,” added Luke, who is hoping the epic adventure will help him raise £5,000 for the National Deaf Children’s Society.

“My little brother Oliver is deaf so I’m doing this for him and for the society that has helped our family a lot. Oliver’s doing well now, he’s had a cochlear implant.”

To support Luke and Dave and follow their progress, go to epic venturesuk.com Their just giving pages are at justgiving.com/Luke-MacWhirter and justgiving.com/David-Scotland.