Charity ride around Australia to raise $50,000 for mental health group

A YOUTH worker who once battled homelessness and mental illness will set off on an 18,000-kilometre solo bike ride around Australia to raise $50,000 for mental health support.

Pauly James, 30, has aligned with the Ballina-based Human Nature mental health group and hopes to use the eight-month journey to spread awareness and inspire change.

He started planning the trip 15 years ago while grappling with his own mental health challenges.

After losing two uncles to suicide, James found himself homeless and eventually needed hospital support.

Today, he is a mental health advocate determined to highlight the importance of early intervention and community support.

The ride will help Human Nature provide free nature- and adventure-based therapy for at-risk young people, while also advocating for systemic reform.

“It’s a full lap around some of the most remote parts of the country,” James said.

“I’ll be engaging with communities along the way and hoping to understand what their challenges are surrounding mental health.

“It will be relentless, it’s five-six hours a day on the bike carrying camping gear with food and water.

“It’s a solo journey which kind of parallels where you’re at when you’re alone and struggling with mental health.”

The trip starts on Monday, April 28, heading north to Cairns and Cape York before looping through Darwin and Western Australia.

The Northern Rivers will be one of his final stops before finishing in Brisbane.

Human Nature founder Andy Hamilton said the group was proud to support the ride.

“Pauly found us online and we’ve been talking about this for a while now,” Hamilton said.

“He’s a very humble guy and we’re incredibly proud that he has decided to do this with us in mind.

“Someone who is willing to make a sacrifice and do something so challenging just to support our group is amazing.”

The trip is sponsored by Wild Earth, Black Sheep Clothing and the Arches Foundation.

Donations can be made at http://breakthecycle.raiselysite.com