Three men from Norfolk begin the trip of a lifetime today when they embark on a 3,000km journey across South Africa - and raise thousands of pounds for charity at the same time.

Three men from Norfolk begin the trip of a lifetime today when they embark on a 3,000km journey across South Africa - and raise thousands of pounds for charity at the same time.

Mike Millsopp, managing director of north Norfolk estate agents Millsopps, along with friends Jeremy Hall, managing director of Precision Commercial Refrigeration, and Tim Ryan, partner at Mills-Reeve Solicitors, have spent months raising money and training for the adventure.

And at the end of their epic journey they will deliver their off-road motorcycles to local doctors in desperate need of transportation.

Mr Millsopp said: “This is a chance of a lifetime. Not only do we get to help an extremely worthy cause, but we will be embarking on an adventure in the process. I have no doubt that the trip will be tough and that the sights we will see, the people we will meet and the stories we will hear will move us, but it is important to remember we will be making a difference to people's lives.”

Last year, the trio hosted a glittering charity ball for more than 100 guests in a marquee at Mr Ryan's home, where the ticket price helped to cover the cost of the expedition which was about £4,500 each.

The men have also received generous donations from friends, family, colleagues and other local businesses, keen to raise money for the charity, Enduro Africa, which hosts the journey each year, and are up to about £17,000 in total.

The money will be used to aid three main causes supported by Enduro - UNICEF, Sentebale - The Princes' Fund for Lesotho and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

The expedition is set to be a test of endurance since Mr Millsopp and his friends will spend the majority of the 11-day trip on two wheels.

To prepare, the men have spent weekends training in the Brecon Beacons, something Mr Millsopp in particular feels has been necessary as it's over 17 years since he last rode.

“I saw the event advertised in a newspaper and thought 'what an adventure'. I did some more research and looked at the website and found out it is also a very worthy cause,” added Mr Millsopp.

“I didn't have any trouble convincing Tim and Jeremy to come along. I am the least experienced biker but we have had 18 months to prepare.”