Serial adventurer James Ketchell is attempting to enter the record books with the first ever solo open cockpit gyrocopter flight around the globe, whilst raising funds for Over The Wall. His aim is to inspire one million young people on his journey, stopping at schools around the world to give motivational talks.
As the UK Scouting Ambassador, James is already the world’s first – and only – person to row across the Atlantic Ocean, climb Everest and cycle around the world. He now aims to add this epic 22,858.729 nautical mile flight to the record books. His challenge will raise funds for both Over The Wall and Kindled Spirit.
James said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to support two amazing charities as part of this project. Their focus on helping young people to thrive and overcome huge challenges is very close to my heart. I want to help children understand, however difficult it might get, that there is always hope and a route to achieving your goals.”
Inspiring children is a large part of James’ journey around the world, he plans to visit a school in every country he flies across, sharing stories of fun and adventure.
Over The Wall CEO, Kevin Mathieson said, “We are absolutely delighted to be one of the charities James is raising funds for. We too are challenging ourselves this year, by bringing more children to camp than ever before. James’ efforts will certainly help us to raise the funds we need to increase the number of children experiencing our free residential camps.”
James’ record attempt begins on March 31st from Popham Airfield in Hampshire. He will face extreme weather conditions, flying through temperatures ranging from +40C to -20C and will have to cross treacherous open water for up to six hours at a time on his journey through Europe to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, India, Thailand, Japan.
From Russia he will cross the Bering Straits to Alaska. After travelling across Canada and the USA he will traverse the Atlantic Ocean landing in Greenland then Iceland and the Danish Faroe Islands before the 226 nautical miles back to UK soil, Kirkwall in Scotland and back to his starting point, Popham Airfield, 6 NM south west of his home town of Basingstoke.James will stop in 30 countries to refuel, delivering online talks and engaging with young people via social media.
