A CHARITY champion biking a mammoth 20,000km from Australia to Bolton has reached a major milestone on his epic journey.

Superfit Jimmy Hailwood is on the cusp of crossing the border into Europe on his incredible quest which began in Australia at the start of the year.

He set off from his former home down under in January and has so far cycled 17,000km through Indonesia, Burma, Bangladesh, Nepal and India before moving on to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

He will now manoeuvre his way through Europe and is aiming to bike the remaining 2,700km by the end of the year.

Mr Hailwood, a wall and floor tiler from Horwich, had been living in Australia for the past five years before deciding to cycle the entire route back to his Bolton home while raising money for charity. His cause of choice is local children’s hospice Derian House and he has so far raised more than £5,000.

The 29-year-old has been keeping his friends, family and followers updated on his amazing adventures via a blog and regular facebook posts — many of which see him being warmly welcomed by local people in the wide range of countries and communities he has visited.

In his latest updates, he confirmed that he has recently left the Turkish capital of Istanbul and is heading towards the European border with Bulgaria.

Reflecting on his time in Turkey, he said: “There were large mountains everywhere and blue skies — it is a really beautiful country and I feel dead lucky to have seen so many stunning places on this journey.

Urging people to keep spreading the message of his remarkable journey, he added: “Out of Istanbul now and heading towards the European border — big thanks to everyone for sharing. You know the crack now just keep doing what you are doing, keep it up people.”

Jimmy has been receiving constant messages of support from friends and family during his journey.

His girlfriend, Ashton Duerden, said: “Keep going James, you are looking shattered — not long now, we are all thinking about you every day.”

Sheree Louise posted: “Well done Jimmy, it's absolutely brilliant what you’re doing — love the updates, keep going,” while pal Dan Ogunby said: “Nearly home now, keep up the good work Jimmy — you are doing amazing.”

If you would like to donate to Jimmy’s fundraising page, visit https://www.justgiving.com/backtobritainbybike/ or or text the code BBBB92 followed by any amount from £1-£10 to the number 70070.

To keep up to date with Jimmy’s journey, like the ‘back to Britain by bike’ page on Facebook.