AN AMBITIOUS cyclist has set himself a new challenge of cycling from Dorset to Cape Town for charity.

Peter Gostelow, 30, will set off from his Godmanstone home on the 15,000 mile haul to South Africa on August 16.

Mr Gostelow said: “This time I’m leaving family and friends behind, so it’s going to be quite emotional.”

He is no stranger to a long cycle ride. Last year he returned from Japan after a three-year journey.

The latest adventure will take him at least a year to finish as he pedals through 25 countries.

After catching a ferry from Poole to Cherbourg, Mr Gostelow will cycle down to Spain and Portugal before getting another boat across to Morocco.

He hopes his geography degree will come in handy as he conquers deserts, mountains and a jungle making his way south along the African west coast.

He is excited about the journey and is doing it to support the Against Malaria Foundation.

Mr Gostelow said: “I wanted to raise money for something I thought had importance across Africa, and malaria is such a big killer.

“The money will go directly to providing mosquito nets, which I will be handing out with the charity along the way.

“The aim is to raise £1 for every mile I cycle so I will hopefully raise about £15,000.”

When he arrives in Cape Town, Mr Gostelow isn’t sure if he will return straight away.

He said: “I might decide to cycle back up the east coast, or what I thought about a long time ago is going round the world. So I would go from Cape Town across to South America and back up that way.”

He will keep in contact through email and by updating his website as he goes.

Mr Gostelow will pack his tent, but may get some help along the way.

He said: “In some countries, the people are so friendly they invite you into their homes so I could be staying with strangers for some of it.”

He will also be giving presentations in schools about his adventures and about the Against Malaria Foundation.

Anyone wanting to support Mr Gostelow and the Against Malaria Foundation can donate online at www.thebigafricacycle.com