Bruce Smart, Police Protection Officer from the Metropolitan Police Diplomatic Protection Group, the team that provides armed protection to Downing Street and the prime minister, made a promise to his mother when she died of cancer in 2008. He promised he'd live his life to the full and decided the one way to do this was to take on a life-changing adventure to drive around the world.
The 35-year-old will travel to 84 countries on a Suzuki GSX-R 1000 L1 for his self-funded solo motorcycle challenge, dubbed ‘TeapotOne’ – the police call sign for a mobile catering vehicle.
He will spend 18 months clocking up over 100,000 miles as he travels through deserts, jungle and swamps.
Bruce, pictured outside No 10 Downing Street, said: “I hope that as many people as possible will support me on my challenge, which was inspired by my mother who, during her brave battle with cancer, said: ‘Don’t ever have regrets, look after those you love but live your life.’”
He begins his journey of a lifetime on October 1, his mother’s birthday.
The Metropolitan Police will provide a motorcycle convoy from the Cenotaph along Whitehall and across Westminster Bridge before Bruce finally sets off on his journey to Dover.
Should you wish to sponsor Bruce, visit: www.justgiving.com/teapotone-ChildTrust.
He is raising money for The Children’s Trust, St Christopher’s Hospice, Born Free Foundation and The Royal British Legion.
