Farmer's fundraising challenge to fly solo over thirteen countries

A farmer has embarked on a momentous fundraising challenge to fly solo from London to Cape Town. Watch Tanya Mercer's report.

Giles Abrey who farms across Norfolk and Suffolk will fly the 7,200 miles across thirteen countries in a plane he built himself.

The journey is expected to take five weeks and has taken years of meticulous planning.

The route crosses thirteen countries. Credit: ITV News Anglia

  • He will cross France, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and to South Africa.

To make things even more complicated Giles and a team built the plane. It was meant to take 12 months but ended up taking just under 5 years.

The aircraft took five years to build. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Giles was inspired by a record solo flight to Cape Town from the UK set way back in 1939 by Newmarket pilot Alex Henshaw.

His record of 39 hours and 36 minutes stood for 70 years. Giles' journey though will be a little longer and he anticipates it'll take around five weeks to complete.

All the money raised from the trip will be shared between The Institute of Cancer Research, Farm Africa and the local charity Gee Wizz, which helps children with disabilities and life-threatening conditions.