STEVE FABES admits he is both petrified and excited as he looks forward to setting out on a 50,000-mile cycle ride tomorrow.

Dr Fabes, who grew up in Southdale Road, North Oxford, is planning to cycle across six continents on a solo charity trip that will take him five years to complete.

The route will take him through regions affected by 14 neglected tropical diseases – a group of ancient, largely parasitic infections that occur in areas of poverty and affect as many as one billion people worldwide.

The 28-year-old hopes to raise £50,000 for Merlin, an aid agency that gets remote medical clinics running again.

Yesterday , as he was making the final preparations, the former Abingdon School pupil, said: “This is the opportunity of a lifetime and knowing that I’m fundraising, which will make a huge difference to Merlin, spurs me on.

“Still, I am absolutely petrified and excited in equal measure.”

He will take in more than 60 countries, from Australia to Zambia, cycling 100 miles a day from dawn to dusk.

In the Sahara, Dr Fabes will cycle through temperatures of up to 50C. He will have to carry 16 litres of water on the back of his bike, already laden with a tent, food and a mountain of books to keep him company.

Later, he will face temperatures as low as -20C inside the Arctic Circle.

He said: “I have been so busy preparing for the trip that I haven’t really thought much about it.

“But when I get going it will be a big challenge for me, which will certainly push me to my limit. I’m just looking forward to getting going now.”

Passing through some of the poorest countries in the world, the Guys and St Thomas’s doctor will stop off at deadly disease hotspots as well as health centres supported by Merlin.

Charity chief executive Carolyn Miller said: “It’s a long and extremely arduous and ambitious route and we are honoured that Steve choose Merlin as his charity of choice. All fundraising will help us deliver vital medical aid to people caught up in conflict, natural disaster and health system collapse. His support is literally life-saving.”

Five years’ cycling will take its toll. Before his departure, scientists will put him through numerous physical and mental tests, to be repeated on his return, to assess the effects of such an epic trip.

Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Sir Chris Hoy has thrown his support behind Dr Fabes.

He said: “This is a hugely ambitious and inspirational challenge that will surely test Steve’s resolve and determination to the limit.”

To follow the trip or donate visit www.cyclingthe6.com