Wheelchair adventurer Spike Breakwell has overcome a lot of obstacles in life, but he’s never faced anything like his latest challenge – crossing Australia in just 80 days.

Spike and his support crew, including Southern Cross University student John Taylor, will film the historic trek, which they hope will be the first ever electric wheelchair crossing of Australia from coast to coast.

“If I cross Australia in 80 days I’ll be a happy bunny. If I make it at all I’ll be delirious. If I do it without killing myself I’ll be flabbergasted,” laughed Spike.

Spike recently visited the Northern Rivers to visit John and drum up support and sponsorship for their upcoming 5,000km voyage, which is a fundraiser for Barnardos in Australia and the UK.

“Most of the money we raise will go to Aboriginal children who, in many communities, are living in shocking conditions below the poverty line,” Spike said. “I have been shocked by the level of depravity I have seen while travelling the country, checking out the route we will follow. The conditions under which some indigenous people are living are truly appalling and I can see that a small amount of support can go a long way.”

A UK film production company, Big Cat Productions, has expressed an interest in coming on board and filming Spike and John as they film themselves making the journey. The BBC has also expressed interest in airing the documentary.

All they need now is corporate sponsors for the trip, which begins in Sydney this September.

“We take all the risks and they get all the glory,” Spike said.

Anyone interested in supporting the innovative fundraiser should phone John on 0437 188 053.