A YOUNG couple are gearing up for an epic road trip across the world – starting in their home town of Malvern.

Mike Ferguson and Jess Heath are currently living in Sydney, Australia, but are travelling back to Blighty – and in particular Belle Vue Terrace – to start their 16,000-mile adventure.

The couple have already raised more than £1,000 for charity ahead of the summer trip across more than 20 countries which they will make in a modest Renault Clio.

“We are both really excited about the trip and going through places that are not often visited,” said Mike, who is 29 and lived on Summerfield Road, Malvern Link. “I’m probably more nervous than Jess but it’s understandable – a lot of planning and preparation has gone into this trip and it isn’t going to be easy, but I think once we’re on the road all the nerves will disappear.”

He says the things he misses from Malvern include the Nag’s Head and a cup of tea at the St Ann’s Well cafe on the slopes of the Malvern Hills.

“It’s a beautiful part of the world, and a great representation of the British leg for our world crossing journey,” he said.

“We left to try our luck in Australia for a year, we fell in love with the city of Sydney and decided to stay.

“We still think that on a sunny day, sitting on top of the Worcestershire Beacon is the most beautiful place in the world though.”

The couple leave Malvern on July 13 and say the initial plan was leave from 25-yearold Jess’s old house in West Malvern Road but could change the venue to Belle Vue Terrace for anyone wishing to wave them off.

Their journey, called Our Long Drive Home, will see them take in countries including Russia, Mongolia, Cambodia and Thailand.

The charities they are raising money for are environmental group Cool Earth and One World Futbol which provides indestructible footballs to children in war-torn countries.

For further information visit ourlongdrivehome.com The couple also plan to film the trip and turn it into a documentary. Visit kickstarter.com/projects and search Our Long Drive Home.