AN Alcester man is in the middle of an epic journey to circumnavigate the globe on his motorcycle and raise money for charity in the process.

Martin Lloyd has lived in Alcester for more than 20 years, although his wanderlust has already led him on trips throughout the UK, Europe and north Africa.

Along with his travelling buddy Mark Rowles, Mr Lloyd has taken his motorbike on a trip west around the world, raising money for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Myton Hospices, which Mr Lloyd volunteers for as a driver.

Currently the two men are 2,000 miles west of Vladivostock , the far eastern end of the Trans-Siberian Railway, although they’re foregoing the train for their own two wheels.

Mr Lloyd said: “Basically the wheel just gets bigger and the trips more challenging and different. The biggest challenge for me isn’t physical, it’s the mental stress of being away from home for such a long time. I love my wife and family to bits and to be away for such a long time can be a bit depressing sometimes.”

The journey has another 11,000 miles left, before the men return to Alcester.

Mr Lloyd added: “We’ve met some quite wonderful people en route who give up whole days to spend time taking us around and showing us things that we would never have found ourselves.

“We are heading home always now, so it’s only a question of time and distance that separates me from Alcester, but each mile we travel makes us a mile closer, so that lifts the spirits somewhat.”

Once this trip is over, Mr Lloyd’s travel plans are centred around his wife Gina. “I’d like to show her some of the fantastic places that I’ve seen and, hopefully, meet the same enthusiastic welcomes that form such a great part of any trip.”

To sponsor Martin Lloyd visit www.justgiving.com/martin-lloyd1 or www.justgiving.com/martin-lloyd2, or to follow his adventures read his blog at www.strimstrum.blogspot.com.