A FUNDRAISER who is halfway through a 100-day charity cycle ride through south-east Asia has told of his wonder at visiting some of the region’s most stunning sights.

Since leaving home in Neville’s Cross, Durham, in late November, Seb Coady has pedalled solo through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, covering 2,000 miles in 50 days.

He has visited the paradise islands of Koh Tao and Koh Lanta and seen Angkor Wat, a 12th Century Cambodia temple said to be the world’s largest religious building.

But the 22-year-old Sunderland fan said his most enjoyable evening was spent in a Thai restaurant watching rivals Newcastle United play Manchester City on TV.

“Six Thai guys kept their restaurant open after hours and we communicated via very broken English – a lot of hand gestures and far too much free whisky. Thankfully, Newcastle also lost,” he said.

Before returning to the UK in March, Mr Coady will cycle through China and finish in Hong Kong, covering a further 1,500 miles.

He said: “When I have a look and see how far I’ve come, I definitely feel like it’s an achievement.

“My first two days in the Vietnamese highlands were incredible – riding up incredibly steep hills has been very tough, but the scenery is unbelievable.

“I’m looking forward to a few more mountain passes, “I’m planning on spending a few nights camping in the jungle and I can’t wait to get into China and get some miles done there.”

Mr Coady has braved wild snakes, tropical heat and rain and had a brief scare when his bicycle’s rear wheel broke; but he managed to find a replacement.

The recent Leeds University graduate, who was inspired to undertake the challenge by Mark Beaumont’s book The Man Who Cycled The World, is raising money for Cancer Research UK.

He has raised £125 so far, but hopes to raise much more. To sponsor Seb Coady, visit justgiving.

com/sebastiancoady To read his cycle blog, visit sebcycles2hk.blogspot.com