IT was an epic energy sapping challenge that spanned 17 countries and more than 10,000 miles across some of the world’s toughest terrain.

After an incredible seven months in the saddle fearless fundrasier Adam Wolley is now back home in Saxtead near Framlingham.

The 22-year-old started peddling for Cape Town in South Africa on New Year’s Day hoping to raise as much money a possible for the Malaria Consortium.

More than 200 days later he successfully reached his goal, passing through countries including France, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

The intrepid fundraiser endured everything from pot hole ridden roads and gruelling head winds through to freezing temperatures and scorching heat.

He was even thrown through the back windscreen of a car which left him needing 38 stitches – including 22 on his face.

He bravely carried on and returned home on Monday having raised an impressive �11,500 for his chosen cause - with more money still flooding in.

Adam, who was joined on the last leg of his journey by friend Greg Symondson, said of the final stretch: “After two weeks of head winds we thought it would be to our side as we arced toward the Cape but it battered us like never before. What should have been a three hour pleasure ride turned into a five hour epic.

“However, as we rounded the final headland it died down and we cruised to the sign marking the most south westerly point of the African continent.

“It was a great feeling, although slightly surreal. It took a while to sink in and it was difficult to get my head round.”

He is now happy to be home but has not ruled out another challenge in the future, having had the experience of a lifetime.

“It was very hard at times and the head winds could be particularly tough,” he said. “When there was a mountain up ahead you could prepare yourself but the winds came out of nowhere and sabotaged whole days because you were going half the speed but using twice the energy.

“Other difficult parts included Ethiopia because the people didn’t really know how to react to me. Because the only white people they see are giving out aid they would do anything to try and stop me - jump out in front of the bike or throwing rocks. That was the only time when being alone was a problem.

“However there were so many highlights - Uganda, Botswana and South Africa were incredible and the hospitality I received in Sudan was brilliant. They are some of the friendliest people in Africa living in some of the harshest conditions.”

While in Uganda Adam was able to witness the work of the Malaria Consortium first hand when he visited a hospital.

“It was really good to see where the money would be going but very difficult because half of the children I saw would die within 24 hours,” he said.

He said he would also like to thank his family and friends who had given him such tremendous support.

To sponsor Adam visit www.justgiving.com/adamwolley.