Congratulations to David Cornthwaite, who has become the first person to skateboard across Australia.

After a journey that lasted five months, and covered nearly 6000 km, Oxford-born Dave rolled into Brisbane today (22nd January). He has now extended the world skateboarding distance record he set earlier this month (as reported here).

Despite arriving at the finish line two days after originally planned, Dave was in an upbeat (if a little bemused) mood. Writing on his website today, he said: “How do I feel? I don’t know how to feel – excitement, sadness. I feel kind of empty and unsure – how did we get to Brisbane so quickly?”

The journey has raised £16,000 for three charities, and although the initial target of £50,000 hasn’t been reached, Dave is still confident that more money will be donated: “Perhaps £50,000 was a big ask, but with the attention the journey has received I don’t think it’s been unrealistic. Although the finishing line approaches there’s still an awful lot of work to be done.”

An accompanying DVD and book chronicling the adventure are planned for release later this year.

To donate online click here www.justgiving.com/boardfree
Dave’s official website is www.boardfree.co.uk