Former University of Wollongong student Alexander Beccari is sure to be tired when he returns to the city this weekend.

Now residing in Brisbane, Mr Beccari is in the middle of a 1000-kilometre bicycle ride to Wollongong to raise funds for spinal cord injury research.

The 24-year-old’s connection with spinal cord injury dates back to January 2011, when his good friend Dean Martelozzo was paralysed from the waist down after a snowboarding accident.

‘‘Whilst this is sure to be a difficult journey for me, it does not even begin to compare to the hardships and adversity faced by those who have suffered a spinal cord injury,’’ Mr Beccari said.

The UOW mining engineer graduate has chosen to contribute all funds raised to SpinalCure Australia, a not-for-profit organisation which raises funds for research to end paralysis.

So far, more than $10,000 has been raised through Mr Beccari’s page on everyday

hero.com, with hopes that at least another $10,000 can be generated before he rides into Wollongong, which is expected  to be on Sunday, July 6.

A major fund-raising event will be held at North Wollongong Hotel on the day Beccari completes his journey and arrives in the city.

Local businesses have donated major prizes for the event, which also features an appearance by the Wollongong Roller Hawks basketball team,  live music, a raffle and a silent auction.

 Mr Beccari hopes to do the 1000km ride again with Mr Martelozzo if he recovers.

Information: www.everydayhero.com or Facebook