Man starts 1,500-mile skateboard challenge to Africa

A 21-year-old man has started a challenge to skateboard from East Sussex to Africa.

Sam Allison is attempting to skate 1,500 miles (2,414km) from Brighton to Tangier, Morocco, to raise money for the Ben Raemers Foundation, which supports mental health in the skating community.

He told the BBC he wanted to do something for the charity after skateboarding helped him through his own mental health challenges.

"I did not realise how much it could impact your life until my own negative experience," Mr Allison said.

"Ever since then, I have had it in the back of my mind to raise awareness for mental health [in the skating community]."

"Now the time has come," he said.

Mr Allison, who struggles with foot pain, plans to skateboard 30 miles (48.2km) a day for 55 days.

That's while carrying all his clothes, cooking gear, sleeping bag and tent – alongside spare wheels for his board – in a backpack.

Mr Allison's friend Lucas Perrin said he would accompany him on a bicycle during parts of the journey to help keep him happy, hydrated, and ensure he does not get lost.

Accompanied by a group of fellow skaters, Mr Allison set off on Wednesday from Brighton for Newhaven, where he will catch a ferry to France.

"It has been beautiful so far," he said. "I am feeling fresh. I am feeling good."

Mr Allison added it was "crazy" that people had already approached him after hearing about his challenge.

"That's what I wanted - bringing people together," he told the BBC. "It's something everyone can cherish. It is a boost of motivation."

Mr Allison's 50-year-old mother Holly Skinner - who herself has taken up skating recently and "absolutely loves it" - said she wanted her son to enjoy himself and have an adventure.

"And come home safe," she added.

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