A 21-year-old motorcyclist is preparing for a life-changing journey circumnavigating the world to raise money for his close friend who died from a rare bowel disease.

Ben King, from Croxley Green, will begin his mammoth solo expedition on a Honda CRF250L motorbike at Mill Hill School, in Mill Hill Village, on Sunday, August 13.

After being involved in a car accident at the age of 17 while training to become a teacher, Mr King decided to follow a new route and embarked on his first biking trip to South East Asia, where he travelled to Vietnam and Singapore.

Although he returned to the UK a year later and began a new career in retail, riding was always in the back of his mind and while planning to visit his sister in Australia, Mr King made the bold decision to extend his journey around the rest of the world.

He also wanted to raise money for St Marks Hospital, in Harrow, which cared for his friend India, who died at the age of 22 from Crohn's and Colitis disease.

Mr King said: “I can’t believe the trip is so soon. I feel terrified but also excited, as this trip has been on my mind for years.

“The next time I set foot in the UK, I will have been around the world. I’m aiming do it in two or three years as that will make me the youngest person to finish the trip, however, if I enjoy myself I may stay abroad longer- perhaps even for 10 years.

“I’m most looking forward to Iran, as I have heard it is incredible, but Siberia should be interesting too, as temperatures will be around -47C. I can’t wait to see Europe too.”

To track Ben’s epic journey or donate, visit thekingontheroad.com or follow him on Instagram: @thekingontheroad