A SWARM of bees has slowed the journey of a Marylebone man in his quest to build medical shelters in Africa.
Jon Beswick, of Great Titchfield Street, and friend Charlie Curtis left for their 48,000km-round trip of the continent on March 14.
The pair has been keeping an online diary of their travels and have so far made it to Togo.
In their latest entry, they revealed they encountered a swarm of bees in Burkina Faso.
Mr Curtis said: "We had diverted to visit a renowned waterfall in the hills.
"Unfortunately, on arrival we were told they were closed to the public as there was a swarm of African bees attacking people.
"With people still trapped inside the area, we offered some surplus plastic sheeting to the would-be rescuers to act as protection against the swarms."
Their journey was also slowed recently when Mr Curtis suffered suspected malaria and was rushed to see a doctor.
Mr Curtis said: "Thankfully, the test was negative, but I was diagnosed with gastroenteritis and dehydration.
"Antibiotics and a couple of good nights' sleep in a hotel rather than the tent and I was back on my feet and we were off to Ghana."
The pair has so far built one shelter and raised thousands of pounds towards building materials and wages for local people to help construct more.
Any leftover money will go towards One to One Children's Fund, to help young people with HIV in Africa. [25cf] To support Jon and Charlie, visit www.justgiving.com/ontheedge or follow their progress at www.ontheedgeofafrica.com .
