Mark aims for record books

Mark Jennings-Bates in Toowoomba on his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for paragliding around Australia.

Tim Braban

A CANADIAN'S desire to raise awareness for his charity by breaking a Guinness World Record has brought him all the way to Toowoomba.

Mark Jennings-Bates is one of two men flying around Australia in an attempt to break the record for the longest journey by powered paraglider.

Mr Jennings-Bates and his partner Glenn Derouin hope travel between 9000 - 12,000km across Australia by paraglider.

The journery will end in Western Australia at the end of March

Mr Jennings-Bates said the world record attempt was one of a number of challenges he hoped to complete in an attempt to raise funds and awareness for the Rally4Life foundation.

Its focus is easing poverty in parts of Africa by providing clean water.

Mr Jennings-Bates said he hoped to raise $400,000 from his Australian trip, with some funds also being donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

His journey, which began in Townsville two weeks ago, has given him a totally unique look at Australia.

"We've had a very unique perspective and we generally fly at sunrise and sunset when the light is at its best," Mr Jennings-Bates said.

"The friendliness of the Aussies has been fantastic... everyone has been really willing to help out."