Stafford student cycling to Arctic Circle - on a fold-up bike

A cyclist who rode more than 4,000 km across Australia is set to take on his next solo challenge – this time to the Arctic Circle on a budget of just £250.

Student Martin Bateman, from Stafford, will be setting off on the venture next month to raise funds for blood cancer charity the Anthony Nolan Foundation.

The 22-year-old, who studies Russian at the University of Glasgow, will take on the mammoth ride from the charity's offices in Hampstead Heath on August 9.

His destination is Nordkapp in Norway, Europe’s most northern point and situated well within the Arctic Circle.

The former Walton High School pupil has set himself a target of 45 days in which he will cycle through England, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Norway.

He said: "I'm doing this in an attempt to highlight and raise awareness of the importance of the work Anthony Nolan provides.

"Someone is diagnosed with blood cancer every 20 minutes and I'm trying to raise awareness and funds because people who donate their spit and volunteer themselves for the charity's register are essential."

Martin had originally planned to do the challenge on a road bike but it was stolen in Glasgow.

He has since bought a fold-up bike costing £550 for ease while at university and will cycle the hilly 3,300km trip on that.

In 2015, he completed a 4,200km transcontinental route challenge from Echuca to Adelaide before flying from Adelaide to Perth and cycling back to Melbourne.

He added: "Being self sufficient is always a challenge, and even more so this time as I am also trying to encourage others to get on a bike and get into touring cycling.

"I will be setting myself a budget about £5 a day, to combat the misconception that you have to be loaded to do what makes you the happiest.

"I also want to minimise my spending so I can donate more to the cause."

To donate to Martin's Just Giving Page and support the Anthony Nolan Foundation go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/arcticcirclelifecycle