22-year-old motorcyclist rides around the world for mental health charity

Henry Crew, from Petersfield, is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the world by motorcycle.

The 22-year-old's attempt will include riding across 35 countries over six continents, covering 56,000km, all in the name of men's health.

Having lost three friends to suicide, and experiencing his own mental health struggles, Mr Crew's goal is to raise £35,000 for the Movember Foundation, a charity which raises awareness of men’s mental and physical health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

“I have been planning this journey for eight months and can’t think of a better charity partner for this trip than Movember," said Mr Crew. "Not only have they created a great community which has existing connections with motorcycles, but they also fight for causes which are close to my heart - specifically mental health.

"I have had my own struggles with mental health, particularly during my time at university and have also experienced a scary amount of mental health issues within my friendship group.”

Mr Crew set off on his Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled motorcycle, loaned to him by Ducati UK, from the BikeShed Motorcycle Club in Shoreditch.

The challenge will take around 13 months to complete, and to break the world record, he will need to return to the UK by Friday 10 May 2019. Speaking before he set off on 4 April, he said: “I have ridden almost every day for the past five years, and I love a challenge.

“This journey seems like a great way to combine those two things. Motorcycles really helped me and my mental health so it all tied in.”

Mr Crew, who passed his motorcycle test in 2013, will ride through France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Perth - Brisbane, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, USA, Morocco and Spain.

Owen Sharp, chief executive officer of The Movember Foundation, said: “We are incredibly honoured and excited that Henry is taking on this momentous adventure for Movember.

"In the UK, on average, 12 men a day lose their lives to suicide. That is unacceptable. Henry’s challenge will raise much needed funds to help us stop men dying too young.”

Charley Boorman, motorcycle adventurer and Movember ambassador said: “It’s amazing to see a young guy like Henry take on such a massive expedition on his own. Knowing first-hand how challenging these adventures are with a mate alongside you, I have nothing but respect and admiration for Henry.”

To help support Henry, please visit https://uk.movember.com/mospace/9838737

You can also visit www.35000miles.com to follow his journey.