Two lifelong friends are gearing up for their biggest journey yet as they plan to cycle from Berlin to Gravesend to raise money for vital equipment at Darent Valley Hospital.

James Walker and Leon Mills, both 36 and from Gravesend, are to undertake the 1100km journey next month with the aim of raising £7,000 to fund a bladder scanning device for the hospital's Palm ward, where James' mum currently works.

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Both men are currently working in the tech industry in Berlin but originally grew up together in the Kent town.

Speaking to News Shopper, James outlined the pair's intended route for their big ride home and the inspiration behind the fundraising effort.

"We’ll be cycling through Germany, then we get to Holland, then into Belgium before hitting France and then to Calais where we'll get the ferry to Dover where we'll finish the journey to our hometown.

"Initially we were just going to do it for fun but then I thought it might be a good opportunity for fundraising.

"We just thought it might be funny to cycle home to Gravesend. I think we we're having a few beers at the time," he joked.

James went on to explain his link with the Dartford hospital's Palm ward which looks after approximately 31 patients with respiratory issues.

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"My mum runs the ward in Darent Valley and she told me that there's some equipment that they need, namely the bladder scanner.

"For me, it’s all well and good giving money to charity but I like the idea of doing something close to home and the hospital needs additional support," he said.

According to James, the entire journey will take the pair about eight days to complete, setting out on April 13.

Unsurprisingly, they will end the trip in the same way they started it by heading straight to the pub at the finishing point.

Those looking to donate can do so here.