A cyclist will use pedal power to travel from Argentina to Alaska on a two-man biking challenge dubbed 'the longest road'.

Tom Henson-Webb, who grew up in Liskeard, and friend Alan Wells want to raise awareness and money for Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) as they cycle more than 19,000 miles through 15 different countries during their 18-month trip.

They expect to cycle about 50 miles a day, five days a week, carrying all their kit, including camping gear, on their backs. They set off from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, on November 18 aiming for Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.

The cyclists, both 27, met at Staffordshire University where Tom was studying film production and music technology and Alan was reading mechanical engineering.

Tom moved to Hackney two years ago where he was working as an editor and assistant editor for projects in TV and film. He said: 'My family and friends think I'm a bit on the crazy side, like most people. They have all been quite encouraging.

Worthwhile

'This is a great opportunity to do some good for a very worthwhile charity. We are both big believers in the work and message of MSF so it was an easy choice. We also thought an international ride should help an international charity. We will be passing through places that are directly helped by MSF.

'The toughest part of the longest road will be the amount of time involved. I'm still getting my head around the fact that I've signed up to this for 18 months. It'll be nice to be out of London for a while, but it is home. I'll miss everything from my mum to my local pub, but I need to do this trip.'

To back Alan and Tom's efforts and see more about the trip visit http://www.thelongest">www.thelongest road.net