Motorbike Adventurer Sets Sights on African Horizons

British explorer prepares for record breaking solo circumnavigation of Africa by motorbike

October 29, 2009 - Press Dispensary - This month laser eye surgery specialists Optimax (www.optimax.co.uk ) will be wishing anthropologist and explorer Spencer Conway good luck as he prepares to circumnavigate Africa by motorbike. While Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boormans’ voyage took them along Africa’s East Coast, a full solo circumnavigation has never been attempted.

Beginning this November, Spencer’s voyage will take in 28 countries and cover more than 40,000 kilometres, including some of the world’s most unstable and unforgiving territories.

The expedition has been a lifelong ambition for worldwide ‘career adventurer’ Spencer, 42, who had laser eye surgery with Optimax this year. The extreme conditions he will face mean that perfect vision will be vital to the success of his voyage, with glasses a poor substitute.

“Having laser eye surgery has literally opened up new horizons for me,” says Spencer. “During my voyage I will be up against a variety of difficult terrains, and this has become an infinitely less daunting prospect thanks to Optimax.”

He adds: “The surgery was stress free and my eyesight is perfect. Thank you for helping me chase my dream!”

While the results have exceeded expectation, Spencer was also impressed by the level of service and patient care he experienced: “The Optimax team were highly professional, everything was explained clearly and they put me at ease. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”

Spencer will be undertaking the voyage alone, and will be travelling on a minimal budget.

The BBC will join him at several points, running regular film and news updates. As a designated fundraiser for Save the Children, he aims to raise tens of thousands of pounds in sponsorship for the charity during his trip.

Meanwhile, he will be supported by some notable figures back in the UK – British actor Richard E. Grant is patron of the African Bike Adventure, and will join Spencer on ‘The One Show’ sofa on Spencer’s return, along with survival guru Bear Grylls. The expedition also has royal backing: Spencer was recently telephoned by Prince Harry, who has pledged his support.

Spencer will be appearing on GMTV this week, talking about his big adventure.

Anyone wishing to support Spencer should please visit http://original.justgiving.com/spencerconway/

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Notes for editors
About Spencer Conway
Spencer Conway was born and raised in Africa and has worked internationally as a cliff rescuer, lifeguard, gym instructor and teacher. He is an experienced endurance motorcyclist and has circled the globe several times as a yachtsman. His journey begins in Biddenden, Kent, where he lives with his partner and two children.

About Optimax
Founded in 1991, Optimax is a laser eye treatment specialist with 23 clinics across the UK.

It is the only specialist UK laser eye surgery clinic chain, with expertise gained from more than 300,000 treatments. Its recent GBP £5m investment in the latest technology means that more people than ever are achieving 20:20 vision.

For further information, please contact:
James Seton, marketing and communications
Optimax
Tel: 020 7317 8639
Email:
Site: www.optimax.co.uk