Two friends are trying to get from Asia to London without spending a penny
Two friends are planning to travel from Asia to London with no money, relying on the kindness of strangers to get home.
Kieran Brown, 28, of St James’ Way, Sidcup, and Joe Martin, 27, from Derby, are taking on the exciting challenge to raise money for homeless charities across Europe.
The friends will start their journey from the Asian side of Istanbul on August 10 and will be traveling the 3,000km journey back to London with no money for transport, accommodation or food.
Mr Brown said: “I’m excited and nervous. Right now I’m actually dreading it. We wanted to push ourselves out of our comfort zones because neither of us are very good at taking rejection.
“Going up to people to ask for food is going to be difficult, but after we get turned away a few times I’ll get used to it.”
Mr Brown and Mr Martin will be vlogging the trip to post on their YouTube accounts.
Mr Brown said: “We were inspired by a YouTuber called Simon Wilson who does a lot of no-money challenges”
By watching others complete these challenges, the two friends have some back-up options if they’re ever left stranded.
Mr Brown said: “With the accommodation situation, there are certain ways we can get accommodation for free.
“There is an app called Couch Surfing where people host their rooms for free in exchange for stories.
“Rooms are listed and you can apply to stay at the place, there’s no money involved, you just talk. it’s quite a bizarre concept.”
Mr Brown and Mr Martin met in Nepal five months ago while they were traveling, and stayed in touch.
Mr Brown said: “My goal is to visit every country in the world. When I was 19 I went on my first trip with a friend from school. We went around South-east Asia and did the usual traveling route through Thailand and Vietnam.
“I really liked it and went straight to Australia on a working holiday visa. I had got the travel bug and kept going. I have gone around all of Central America, all South-east Asia and pretty much all of Europe.
“Iceland is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to, and Belize, and Nepal.”
The money raised will be split between homeless charities in all the countries they end up passing through.
To donate to their fundraiser visit https://gofund.me/696adc69
Pictured top: From left, Kieran Brown and Joe Martin on their travels (Picture: Kieran Brown)
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A free country needs a free press, and the newspapers of our country are under significant financial pressure”.
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or, please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
Why does he have to tense in every photo? This is not what we need to see in the newspapers
He is my friend he’s been planning on doing this for years but now he said he would like to do it so he can get away from his girlfriend for a couple of months! Fair play to the lad
I think it’s a really good idea, ever since he got the rash from Thailand he’s been itching to go back to Asia!
Well done Kieran! Praise Jesus I hope we can donate to your Fund! Lots of love Ashley Foreman and the GOSPEL GANG
Nice!
Fair play to them , will be routing for em
My little boy all grown up going away again, it seems like yesterday I was changing his nappy and seeing his little wiener. I mean he still has a wiener but I don’t change his nappy anymore hahaha
Love you lots Kieran
Michelle xox
I for one think it really a good thing what they doin for the charity of homeless men. I personally know Keeron, or Big Rick as me n sum of the local lads like to call him. The other little chap seems like a lovely little fellow too. Best of luck to them both.