25 June 2012 - From Arctic ice to Mediterranean sea – one man’s fundraising adventure

This July one ordinary 60-year-old New Zealander will cycle the depth of Europe, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. He aims to raise $20,000 for Save the Children New Zealand’s work with children in the Pacific and in New Zealand.

Brian Wheeldon plans to cross some of Europe’s toughest landscapes. From his start point in Norway's Nordkapp, he will cycle 100km each day covering 7,500km to reach Sicily.

“I’m incredibly passionate about giving children the right start in life and want to be part of creating a better future for children in New Zealand and the Pacific. I thought it would be great to attempt something that would push my limits as well as raising funds and awareness for a charity I believe is doing a real good job.”

Along the way he will complete a leg of the journey with his son, he will keep a blog and visit Save the Children offices. He also hopes to have supporters cycle with him into some of Europe’s major cities, such as Zurich and Rome.

Brian leaves on 24 June with a well-wishers’ farewell at Auckland Airport. He will start his ride 5-6 July and aims to end it in Siracusa, Sicily on 30 September.

Follow him on his blog or donate to his cause