He’s the Hoppers Crossing bloke riding around Australia with a bathtub to raise money for beyondblue.
Michael Willem will ride about 100 kilometres a day and hopes to reach Cape York in far north Queensland by the end of this year as part of his “On my way up” challenge, where he hopes to raise $250,000 along the way.
The one-man trip is an integral part of a plan to raise $1 million for beyondblue, which provides information and support to help Australians achieve their best possible mental health.
Mr Willem came up with the idea at the end of 2013 when he suffered depression after a marriage break-up and being on the brink of bankruptcy.
His depression reared its ugly head again last year after a tough year, giving Mr Willem the push he needed to get on his bike – bathtub and all.
“I wish I had a really meaningful answer [to why I’ve got the bathtub], but I don’t,” he said.
“I saw Bear Grylls rode down the Thames naked for charity in a bathtub and I thought, OK, what can I do with a bathtub? It’s a bit of a fundraising novelty.
“A few people have ridden around Australia but you’re harder to forget when you’re towing a bathtub around.
“It’s also really awesome for storage and, being a photographer, I’m carrying a bit of gear, so that all goes into the tub. I’ve also got a swag that sits on top of the tub … so I just crawl in there at night.”
To donate, go to give.everydayhero.com/au/onmywayup
