• Karl Bushby continues his 27-year journey around the world
• His mother awaits him in Hull after seeing him only three times since 1998

British explorer Karl Bushby is preparing to return to his hometown in Hull after a journey around the world that began 27 years ago, where his 75-year-old mother, Angela, has awaited him, having seen him only three times since his departure in 1998.

Karl set off from Chile in November 1998 with the aim of walking around the world for a distance of 36,000 miles (58,000 kilometers) without using any means of transport, expecting the journey to take only 12 years.

During his journey, the explorer faced multiple challenges, including geographical and political difficulties, wars, and the hardship of obtaining visas, yet none of these deterred his determination.

Throughout the journey, Karl traversed South, Central, and North America, crossed parts of Asia and Europe, and experienced extraordinary moments such as crossing the icy Bering Strait between North America and Russia in 2006, and swimming 300 kilometers across the Caspian Sea in 2024, before entering Austria en route to Hull.

His mother said the past years have been a mix of pride and worry, noting that Karl faced difficulties in his childhood, such as struggling with reading and being bullied, but he overcame them with determination and perseverance, becoming an inspiring example of patience and resilience.

Karl is expected to reach Hull in September 2026, where his mother will be waiting at home to embrace him, conveying a message of hope and inspiration to all who strive to achieve the impossible.