A British man has become the first person to unicycle around the world and will now return home to celebrate with family and friends.
Ed Pratt left Curry Rivel, near Taunton, Somerset, in March 2015 to begin his 21,000-mile one-wheeled adventure aged just 19.
He completed the challenge unsupported – carrying a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove and kit in panniers attached to his 36in Nimbus Oracle unicycle.
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Mr Pratt then tackled Australia and New Zealand before moving on to the USA, finally flying from New York to Edinburgh to begin his final 500 miles home to Somerset.
He has raised more than £300,000 for School in a Bag, a charity that delivers educational equipment to poor and vulnerable children around the world.
His parents, Nick and Roxanne Pratt, said: “He left school in search of a challenge and adventure.
“Anyone who has followed his journey around the world will know that he has created just that.”
Mr Pratt has documented his unicycling feat through regular updates on Facebook, videos on YouTube and through a website tracking his progress.
He has even learnt how to operate a drone while unicycling, with footage featuring in his videos, which have been watched by hundreds of thousands of people.
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On the first day of his unicycle challenge, Mr Pratt was only able to clock up seven miles after breaking his pannier zip when trying to cram egg sandwiches inside.
And in November 2015, he had to suspend his trip after almost being hit by a car in sub-zero temperatures near Aktobe in Kazakhstan.
“We were naturally intrigued and got straight back to him, explaining a bit more about the work that we do, before suggesting he unicycle over for a meeting.”
Mr Simon said the charity was thrilled to have been part of Mr Pratt’s “epic journey”, adding that funds raised from his trip would directly help more than 15,000 children.
Our sand dune camp BEFORE the storm!
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Throughout his world tour, he has taught others how to master the one-wheeled vehicle and has been joined by people on two wheels for parts of the trip.
His journey has been documented on www.worldunicycletour.com.
