Alongside fellow cyclist Nick McCarthy, who he met when they began a year-long exchange at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver last September, their goal was to raise over £5,200 - the equivalent of one pound per kilometre.

They hit their target and have now donated £5,245 to the Haileybury Youth Trust (HYT), a charity which works to improve the lives and prospects of impoverished young people in Uganda.

Marcus and Nick covered 90 to 100 miles each day and said it was a fantastic experience, seeing some spectacular scenery and meeting many helpful and supportive locals, who helped by providing accommodation and food along the way.

Marcus, who will return to Bristol for the final year of his Chemistry degree next month, said: “It was an adventure that’s for sure, but it was so much more too. The people we met made the whole experience. Their willingness to take us in was astonishing and to make it 3,500 miles without a single bad encounter with anyone was incredible.

“It was tough going some days, due to the terrain and distance, plus Nick had a nasty fall and hurt his leg so it was certainly challenging at times. But the amazing scenery and unique experiences certainly made it the trip of a lifetime and we’re so pleased that we managed to raise so much money.

“It was really humbling to receive a thank you message and photograph from the young people helped by HYT in Uganda. The work that the charity does is having a measurable impact on people’s lives and if our efforts over the last few weeks can enable them to continue that work then we have all achieved something great.”

The University of Bristol and the University of Queensland, where Nick studies, both sponsored the trip through providing kit and bike bags.

• You can read more about Marcus and Nick’s challenge via their blog, or make a donation via their JustGiving page.