Man cycling ancient road to China for charity

Wallace Ascham started his journey in April and is now halfway

A cyclist on a 10,000 km (6,214m) solo cycling mission along the ancient Silk Road has said strangers have been "incredibly welcoming".

Wallace Ascham, from Cheltenham, started his fundraising journey in April in Turkey and has so far travelled 5,500 km (3,418m).

His aim is to raise £27,000 for a brand new education centre in Kampala, Uganda, through the charity Kids Club Kamapa.

Currently in Tajikistan, he said it has been a "wonderful experience" meeting "such generous people" in the predominantly Muslim communities he travels through.

He said people often shout "chai, chai" from the side of the road, offering food and tea.

Mr Ascham will travel through through Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China

But he said one of the hardest bits about the trip is travelling alone.

"For days-on-end I won't really engage with any people," he said.

"Being away from family and friends has been difficult, but the hospitality from strangers has helped.

"People take me in and feed me."

Mr Ascham said the hospitality from strangers has stopped him from feeling lonely

The journey will see him travel through through Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China.

A Kids Club Kampala spokesperson said the charity is "so grateful" for Mr Ascham's support.

"Earlier this year, our long standing education centre in Naguru was demolished after the land it was built on was sold," they said.

"In order to serve the local community as it once did, we need to build a new education centre."

The charity said it relies on "generous support from people like Wallace" to provide "vital services" to children in Uganda.

"Go Wallace," they added.