Two UEA graduates from Norwich are cycling just under 1000 miles in 14 days, from Land's End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Scotland, for charity.

They are among 21 cyclists from Brake the Cycle, a new social enterprise, that seeks to empower young people and encourage sustainable living through adventure and slow travel.

The cyclists will be raising funds and awareness for two grassroots charities, AfriKids and The Otesha Project, and are looking to shift their own lives away from a dependency on oil.

Matthew Wicks, 27, from near Unthank Road, has lived in Norwich for just under 10 years, since studying environmental science at the UEA.

He is currently a volunteer trustee of the Otesha Project UK, and said: 'Otesha is a charity that empowers young people to think about sustainability and how everyday decisions, such as the breakfast cereal you eat or the clothes you wear, can have an impact around the world. It's about raising awareness of environmental and social justice issues.'

Georgie Burr, 25, from King Street, works as a Sustrans 'Bike It' Officer in Thetford. She said: 'I always wanted to do a big challenge, and hopefully I'll be able to tell all the school kids about it afterwards. I'm also looking forward to being really fit.'

A double decker bus powered by recycled cooking oil will accompany them on their quest to inspire positive change in a disillusioned youth.

AfriKids finance and deliver sustainable child rights projects in Ghana's most vulnerable regions, while The Otesha Project UK is a youth-led charity, challenging young people to help create a greener, cleaner, fairer world.

To support their attempt to fundraise �15,000, or to find out more about their adventure, visit www.brakethecycle.org.uk. More information can be found at www.otesha.org.uk and www.afrikids.org

Are you setting off on an amazing adventure for charity? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.