Adam will undertake his journey from Edinburgh to Tangiers by walking, sailing, cycling and rowing to raise money in memory of his brother, who died in March 2002 in Perth, Australia, aged 24.

The England and Surrey cricketer was making the epic trip, which ends on November 24, with Lancashire cricketer Iain Sutcliffe, ex-European heavyweight champion Scott Welch and Matt Church, who is an ex-professional cricketer.

On the first day of the trek, England cricketer Andrew Flintoff and Scotland cricketer John Blain were also taking part as the group set off from Charlotte Square in central Edinburgh.

They headed off down the street under brilliant sunshine wearing caps bearing the slogan: 'Ben Hollioake Fund'.

Adam said: "I think Ben would have thought I was mad but I think he would also have been proud."

The Ben Hollioake Fund was set up following the young cricketer's death in a bid to raise five million pounds over the next five years to build a centre for children not expected to live beyond their 19th year.

Commenting on the challenge that lay ahead he said: "The first day is likely to be the hardest, it's 25 miles all uphill.

"We are going to have teething problems and we are starting late, so I think it's going to be a rude introduction."

The UK leg of the journey will cover 594 miles across 28 days and ends in Brighton on October 31.

The team will then sail to Dieppe and cycle to Gibraltar before rowing to Tangiers.

The patron of the Fund is former Prime Minister John Major, who will be joining the fundraisers for part of the walk in London.