Karl Bushby was born in 1969 in Kingston Upon Hull East Yorkshire, United Kingdom. He attended a local comprehensive school and joined the British Army at the age of 16.  Karl served with the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment from 1986 until 1998.  Karl decided to leave the British Army to undertake the challenge of a life time, known then as the Goliath Expedition. 

The Expedition had been in the works for some years while Karl was serving. The challenge ever more pronounced when confronted with skeptics and peers who doubted the 36,000mile journey on foot, including its three controversial gaps, could be achieved, and if it could, was Karl the man up for the challenge.  Unable to find funding Karl left the army, and a few months later, paid his own way to South America deciding to fund the expedition en route where possible.

  

KARL'S TEAM

Backing Karl all the way is the UK-based support, Keith Bushby (Karl's father). Keith has a full-time job and the Odyssey work is carried out in his spare time. Keith's role is basically to take care of the Odyssey's administration while keeping Karl upright and moving forward. This includes working with partners, sponsors and supporters, seeking potential new ones and liaising with the media. Also, all correspondence is dealt with by Keith.