A special blade runner
CLAUDE 'Lawnmower Man' Harvey will be pushing his customised cutter into Gympie next Wednesday on his 2260km trek for Australia's child protection advocate, Bravehearts.
Claude picks up where he left off in Townsville as he continues his inspiring journey with communities and local business supporting his quest and the cause.
The tireless fundraiser spent three weeks trekking from Mt Isa to Townsville before taking a short break from his epic journey to return to the Gold Coast for a family commitment.
The arduous 2260-kilometre trek will see him visit dozens of Queensland towns in aid of Australia's leading children's protection advocate.
The 77-day adventure will generate exposure and fundraising for Bravehearts as it endeavours to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child with every cent raised going toward prevention, education and counselling programs.
Bravehearts Founder and executive director Hetty Johnston says the unwavering commitment by Claude is testament to the fact that one man can make a huge difference.
"Claude never ceases to amaze me and I applaud his efforts and the impact he has made on the lives of hundreds of innocent children and their families," she said.
"He has in many ways become an iconic symbol of Bravehearts and his incredible commitment is to be commended.
"Simply put, Claude is an inspiration.
"We ask that all Queenslanders get behind Claude and his latest mission."
A regular fixture on the Gold Coast, Claude has become a local celebrity over the past nine years.
The 65-year-old became an active and dedicated Bravehearts volunteer after watching footage on the news of a pedophile being arrested for sexually assaulting a child.
In 2008, he completed a four-week walk from the Gold Coast to Sydney, collecting donations along the way.
Following the success of his walk to Sydney, Claude embarked on an amazing trip to Cairns in 2010.
Now he is determined to conquer his longest and most physically demanding excursion to date - the 77-day expedition pounding paths along the coast of Queensland and the inland from Mt Isa to the Gold Coast.
