Dave Cornthwaite has nearly completed his epic journey

Dave Cornthwaite, from St Thomas in Swansea, is skateboarding an average of 30 miles (48km) a day.

Despite developing huge blisters and having to go hospital, Dave hopes to arrive at his destination on time.

His 900-mile (1,448km) trip, which is a warm-up before an Australian skateboarding challenge, is a fundraiser for three charities.

Dave, a former graphic designer, said he has only been skateboarding for just over a year.

"I took it up in March 2005 and I just fell in love with it. I went everywhere on my board. I wasn't very happy with my job and I used to enjoy the skate to work and the skate out of work at the end of the day," he said.

The scenery has been magnificent. We live on an amazing island Dave Cornthwaite

"I eventually ended up quitting my job and now it has turned into this record-breaking monster.

"I don't think I could go back to the nine to five now."

Welcome sign

Dave, together with his back-up team, chose to complete his challenge during May because he had hoped for fine weather.

"It has been very wet, and it has been the wettest May in decades. It has been hard to skate in the rain and to keep my balance.

"The [fine] weather made a huge difference a couple of days ago and it is looking good for Friday," he said.

He said: "The scenery has been magnificent. We live on an amazing island, the best thing we have seen is the Welcome to England sign - that made it all worthwhile.

"That might be topped though, when I see the Land's End sign."

Dave kisses the start line at the beginning of the challenge

Dave has called his skateboard Elsa, because he has spent time in Africa and his challenge sounds similar to the famous film.

"Basically the board just had to have a name," added Dave.

The former Swansea University student said the team has received help with accommodation from friends and from owners of various guest houses.

Some nights have also been spent in the back-up van.

But the main problems on his journey have been to do with his feet and losing skin on his right heel.

After skateboarding to Land's End, Dave hopes to complete another skateboarding journey from Perth to Brisbane, again for charity.

The team hope to see many well-wishers when they arrive at Land's End on Friday lunchtime.

"My family have been very supportive to me, they just want me to be happy and I think my brother is silently proud of me," he said.

The challenge is raising money for the Lowe Trust, Sailability Australia and Link Community Development.