A UKRANIAN Hexham resident is hoping to achieve a childhood dream of cycling around the world in aid of fundraising for humanitarian resources for his home country.

Volodymyr 'Volo' Muliar, 48, has set an ambitious challenge for himself as he prepares to cycle more than 60,000km around seven continents, including Antarctica, to help those in Ukraine.

Volo has set up a fundraiser with a goal of £11,000, which he hopes will help him pay for essential items needed for the trip, such as a touring bicycle, insurance, video equipment and expenses.

He will begin at the end of May this year, and won’t return to Hexham until 2027.

Hexham Courant: Volo is excited but nervous about his journey Volo is excited but nervous about his journey (Image: Volodymyr Muliar)

Volo hopes to keep audiences involved in the experience by recording every second - which can also help his fundraiser for the Disasters Emergency Committee to provide humanitarian aid back in his home.

"It had to be a big challenge to raise money for those back in Ukraine, so that is why I chose to cycle the globe," Volo said.

"It isn't something that I just thought of, as I have wanted to do this since I was a child - it could be a world record.

"This will be the biggest challenge I have set myself after travelling to Ukraine to Australia with my wife and my child who was born while we were travelling.

"Some people thought it was crazy having our child travelling with us when we were doing that journey, but it was perfect for us, and it has helped us to communicate with his friends at school as his English has always been good.

"I always travel not only for my own pleasure, so that is why I feel it is important to do it for my home country. Although I will leave my family here, they are still supportive of this challenge and know it means a lot to me.

"Thankfully, when the war broke out, we were travelling abroad and had applied for an artist residence, as musicians, at the Queen's Hall which allowed us to come to Hexham.

"We did not have anything precious to go back and collect from our Ukrainian home as we were able to buy everything we needed when we came to Hexham, but I hope when I finish the challenge the war will be over and I can go back to my home country to see my mother and brother.

"I just hope this challenge will encourage people not to forget about those who are in need around the world, not just in Ukraine."

Hexham Mayor, Derek Kennedy, said: "Volo came to the Hexham Town Council and gave us an explanation of his planned adventure around the world to promote Ukraine.

"Starting in Hexham and returning, it will be some undertaking.

"Volo is asking to be crowdfunded to purchase a bike and all his material.

"The Town Council agreed to help promote him and organise a suitable send off and return once finished. We wish Volo all the best. “