A pair of Heriot-Watt almuni have been preparing to cycle around the world – raising money for children with cancer

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Joe Strachan and Mark Kennedy are taking on the gruelling challenge to raise money for Children with Cancer and Leukaemia Advice and Support for Parents (CCLASP).

They chose this charity as it is local to Edinburgh where they studied - both graduated from Heriot-Watt in June 2016 with honours in Quantity Surveying.

The duo, who call themselves the Clueless Travellers, arrived in India on August 21 after leaving from Edinburgh's Royal Mile on May 26.

Not best known for doing things in half measures, Joe decided he would challenge himself to cycle round the world.

Having discussed this with close friends and family he quickly found an equally clueless traveller, Mark, to join the adventure.

With a burning desire to see the world, learn from different cultures, survive and make new lifelong friends to fuel his journey he looks forward to sharing this journey raise enough money to make a difference to a wonderful charity.

Joe says: “When my backside gets sore I will be sure to recite my favourite quote over and over until it gets comfortably numb - he who says he can and he who says he can't are both usually right.”

With next to no cycle experience the opportunity to join Joe going around the world sounded like a perfect way for Mark to kick start his training.

His passion for travelling and extreme drive to avoid work are sure to help him on his way.

Mark says: My ambitions for the trip are to be immersed in various cultures, meet interesting people and return home to the comfort of my bed as soon as possible.”

Achieving this goal is no mean feat – In 2018 Mark Beaumont cycled around the world completing an 18,000-mile route in 79 days setting a new Guiness World Record.

The pair have raised over £700 so far for Children with Cancer and Leukaemia Advice and Support for Parents (CCLASP). 

CCLASP provide specialist and tailored support to families across Scotland affected by childhood cancer or leukaemia and help to make children's' special wishes come true.

They also help diagnosed families and bereaved families express and share with each other the feelings, anxieties, and horror of having a child with a life-threatening illness and provide practical and emotional support.

If you would like to support Joe and Mark – you can donate here - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cluelesstravellers

For more information on CCLASP visit - https://www.cclasp.org.uk/

Follow their journey on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clueless_travellers/


Track their route on their website https://www.cluelesstravellers.co.uk/