Record breaking skate to change hearts and minds

Press Release - Wednesday 19 April 2006

Dave Cornthwaite (26) will attempt to skate almost 1000 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End on his bright yellow longboard, Elsa, on 30 April. The route has never before been attempted by anyone on any form of skateboard before.

But the event is part of a much bigger challenge - in August 2006, Dave will leave Perth, Western Australia in attempt to skate 5000 miles of coastal road to Brisbane, on the east coast, breaking the current world distance skateboarding record by over 2000 miles.

Cornthwaite sees the UK journey as being a warm-up for his Australia expedition, but he hopes that the British public can appreciate his efforts and support him every push of the way. He's inviting anyone who cycles or skates to join him for a section of the UK journey.

Dave Cornthwaite said: "The next few months are going to be extremely punishing physically but I wanted this year's journeys to be head-turners. The charities I'm supporting deserve for their work to be recognised and I hope I can raise at least £50,000 to support their excellent work. Equally as important as supporting Link Community Development, Lowe Syndrome Trust and Sailability Australia, I'd like to inspire children of all ages and abilities to take up new sports and fulfil their dreams."

In June 2005, Cornthwaite left a well-paid graphic design job and founded BoardFree, a charity initiative designed to raise the profile of three children's charities: Link Community Development, the Lowe Syndrome Trust and Sailability Australia. The skateboarding beginner fell in love with his new hobby and decided to go on a journey to change minds and hearts.

For more information visit www.boardfree.co.uk.

Online donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/boardfree.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. For further information, photographs, or to interview Dave Cornthwaite please contact BoardFree on mobile 07723 618 324 or email: dave@boardfree.co.uk.

2. Cash sponsors are being sought to support BoardFree. In return promotional opportunities are available.