A TEACHER from south Cumbria who spent three years working in Ukraine is set to embark on an epic 2,000 mile bike ride across Europe.

Mitch Richardson, 27, from Grange, will be cycling from Southeast London to Lviv in Western Ukraine in June to raise money for War Child, a charity which seeks to ensure a safe future for children affected by war.

Mitch was lucky enough to flee the country just before the war started.

He said he was nervous but excited for the adventure knowing he is helping a worthy cause.

He said: “I was fortunate enough to be able to simply return to the UK and I could’ve just left it there but it didn’t feel right. I’ve done a cycling tour before but nothing as big as this so I thought it would be great to give something back.

“I’m a bit nervous with being a cyclist on the road as they aren’t the safest but I’m excited for the adventure and to know I’ll be helping change lifes.

“I will be wild camping all the way - no showers or running water. I will be carrying everything with me, my cooking equipment, sleeping bags, tent etc. It’s going to be a challenge.”

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Mitch said his experience working with children had encouraged him to take on this challenge.

He said: “My experience working with children and seeing the opportunity that children have for the future has encouraged me to take on this ride. Children have had psychological damage from being around war. The support of the War Child charity can help shape how happy there are in the future and shape the person they become.”

Mitch has manged to raised £1,241 over his £1,000 target and hopes to raise as much as possible.

He said: “I am very grateful to everyone who has donated. I’m quite surprised at how much recognition it has got but the money is going to a great cause.

“I have friends out in Ukraine still and they said they appreciate the attention it is getting.”

You can donate to Mitch at: justgiving.com/fundraising/londonlviv