A group of motorbike enthusiasts from Kent including the chairman of Ashford-based GSE Group of construction companies have endured a gruelling ride across the wilds of Africa to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The group – including Darrell Healey, chairman of GSE Group – took part in Enduro Africa, eight days of demanding off-road riding covering 1,300km of the continent’s Wild Coast from Port Elizabeth to Durban.

The event, which took place in October, supports UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and Touch Africa and the 13 riders from Kent raised an impressive £30,000 between them. In all, the 88 bikers who took part will have raised in the region of £250,000.

“It was tough, dusty and tiring,” said Darrell Healey, who is no stranger to motorbikes – the GSE group owns and runs GSE Racing, the all-conquering Airwaves Yamaha British Superbike Team, the current champions.

“It was one of those things that you talk about in the pub with your friends and after a few drinks you happily agree to do. Then you find yourself in the middle of Africa, off-road, hot, tired and saddle sore!”

Darrell admitted there were several times when he felt like giving up on what was his first experience of off-road riding.

“Within 10 minutes of going off road for the first time we were confronted with a 300-400ft, 45 degree slope. It was rough and covered in gravel and stone and at that point I began to realise I might have bitten off more than I could chew,” he said.

Darrell knew some of the Kent riders but said they all became close friends and worked well as a team. “When you have eight people sharing a room at times, you really have to get on,” he said.

“It was really tough, the hardest thing I have done. Would I do it again? Probably not but I’m glad I did it – it was a life changing experience.”

Enduro Africa is an annual event. To find out more and how to take part, visit enduroafrica.com. For more information on the GSE Group visit gse-group.co.uk