Two actors, Three Children’s Hope countries—Kazakhstan, Russia and Ethiopia

Two actors are bike nuts. While Children’s Hope is not so talented in acting and not so into motorcycles, we have at least one thing in common with the duo: these actors might be becoming a little nutty for orphans and spreading awareness, too.

One day, Ewan McGregor (Stars Wars: Episode I, Big Fish) looked at a map and noticed it was possible to ride entirely around the world with only one short jaunt across the Bering Strait. He called on Charley Boorman, his best friend and fellow actor, and began rigorously training and preparing for an adventure of a lifetime, all of which would be documented on film in a 10-episode series, A Long Way Round. From London to New York, Ewan and Charley rode their BMW motorcycles through Europe, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia, across the Pacific to Alaska, then down through Canada and America.

In addition to the amazing drama of exhaustion, injury, and treacherous roads, viewers catch the warmth of many cultures and the unifying aspects of the human race. The pair of actors also uses the opportunity to partner with UNICEF, spreading awareness of projects that benefit both orphans and the community’s poor along their tour route.

Children’s Hope adopting families have the chance to see Kazakhstan from a unique viewpoint as the two travel across the Kazakhstan landscape, meet with the people of the country, and eat the local food and experience their traditions.

As of last night, a second adventure began on the BBC cable network in Long Way Down. Inspired by their first journey, Ewan and Charley travel from Scotland to the most southernly tip of Africa. Along the way, they drive through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, home of Children’s Hope transition home House of Hope.

Long Way Down is currently airing on the BBC and is coming soon to FOX Reality and the Discovery Channel. Visit the Long Way Down website for extensive photos and journaling, a map of their destinations and details on each of the UNICEF spotlight stops.





Long Way Round originally aired on the BBC in 2004. It is now available on Netflix and Blockbuster Online rental.