Two Brits headed west from Beijing on August 14 on bicycles. They are cycling all the way to London in order to raise £10,000 for Diabetes UK. Their ride will take them through northwestern China, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and eventually across Europe and back home to London.

Andy Clapperton and Jon Smith have both been teaching in universities in Beijing, and having enjoyed other cycling expeditions around China, decided to set themselves a somewhat larger challenge. Andy is himself a diabetic, and this makes the load considerably heavier as they will be carrying large supplies of insulin in cool boxes on the back of the bikes.

Andy comments that 'besides raising money, the aim of the expedition is also to promote the ethos that diabetes shouldn't stop anyone achieving any goal they set their minds to. I feel there are a lot of misunderstandings about diabetes, and this is something we would like to try and challenge, particularly given the increasing number of people affected by the condition'.

For more information about the route and how to donate or sponsor, as well as the latest updates on their whereabouts and a range of excellent photos from across China, check out their website: cyclehome.net