A BASINGSTOKE adventurer, who set off to cycle around the world unaided six months ago, is due to return today.

James Ketchell set off on the 18,000-mile trip last summer, with the hope of completing the mission by the end of the year.

The ride is the last challenge in his global triathlon, as he has already rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean solo and climbed to the summit of Mount Everest.

The 31-year-old, from Severn Way, Eastrop, is only a couple of months off schedule, and is expected to cross the global cycle finish line in Greenwich, London today, after cycling through more than 20 countries, including France, Poland, Romania, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, America, Portugal and Spain.

James set himself the task of completing the global triathlon challenge following a near-fatal motorbike accident in 2007. Doctors told him he would never walk again after he broke both legs, an arm and badly smashed an ankle.

He said: “That just made me want to do it more. |I could sit and feel sorry for myself, or I could do something about it.”

During his travels, James has met with more than 5,000 children in schools and Scout groups around the world, to share his stories of adventure and educational information, while raising awareness for children’s charity The ELIFAR Foundation, which aims to improve the quality of life of disabled children and adults.

He hopes to raise £18,000 for the foundation through his mission.

James has had to cycle up to 100 miles each day to stay on schedule.

To donate to James’ fundraising efforts visit |justgiving.com/captainketch.