A former Newham teacher hopes to raise �10,000 for homeless children by cycling 12,000 miles to South Africa.

Gareth Morris, who taught at Gainsborough Primary School in West Ham, plans to peddle from Trafalgar Square to Cape Town in aid of street children in Africa.

The 30-year-old, who nows works as a supply teacher, said: “This adventure is a huge physical challenge but I am determined to make a difference to the lives of children forced to endure hardship on the streets of Africa.

“My family have been very supportive.

“They were shocked initially but it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Gareth has set up his own charity called Cycle Africa with five friends who will accompany him on the daunting challenge, which is expected to take a year.

The team are inviting anyone to join them on the first day of the adventure on August 7 at 9am when they will cycle from Trafalgar Square to Brighton.

If you would like to get involved or make a donation, visit www.cycleafrica.org, or email gareth@cycleafrica.org.