A YOUNG motorcyclist has started an epic 18,000 charity motorcycle ride to help tackle the scourge of malaria.

With only 200 miles under his belt since passing his test, James Harrison-Allen began his dream adventure recently, leaving the Cresselly Arms, Cresswell Quay to begin his 18,000 mile ride to Cape Town.

He is riding his 16-year-old 350cc Suzuki trail bike, via London to Portsmouth, Bilbao to Tarifa, then the real adventure starts in Morocco, where he will begin his baptism of fire riding on unmetalled roads down the west coast of Africa to Cape Town.

It is a journey that will take him through 18 countries, including Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Nigeria Senegal and Toga.

James, who is raising funds through the Justgiving charity website, said: “I'm trying to raise money to help combat malaria, an appalling disease that can be prevented relatively easily.

“I'll be blogging as much as possible from Mzungu Rides, although not sure my access to wifi will be all that frequent.

“Whilst it’s a disease that nearly half the world’s population is at risk from, 90 per cent of deaths are within Africa. Every minute a child dies from this disease. It’s preventable and with some work its viable that we can have a huge impact on this grim disease.

“All the money donated will be going through JustGiving to Malaria No More. This will not fund my trip.”

Funds can be donated at www.justgiving.com/mzungurides