Cyclists are set to ride more than 1,000km from Sydney to Brisbane in six days to raise money for charity - inspired by a six-year-old boy with a virtually unknown condition that affects just 72 people in Australia.

Ted Elsworth suffers from Phelan-McDermid Syndrome which is an extremely rare genetic condition caused by a missing chromosome that can cause intellectual disability, seizures, heart problems and also stunts speech development.

His dad Olie and a team of riders are trying to raise $15,000, as well as awareness, for the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation of Australia by ‘Wheelin’ for Phelan’ - from Sydney Opera House to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in July.

"It's something of a rocky road having a child with P-MS, or any child with a rare disease, to be honest,” Ted’s father says. “Nobody seems to have any answers for you, there are no comforting words of wisdom, essentially the medical profession is underwhelming in its knowledge on the subject."

In fact, only 1,400 people across the globe have been diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, which has left little Ted with autism, unable to speak and with a range of other medical issues – although he remains a happy, smart and determined young boy.

"It would mean a great deal for people to support this journey, to recognise the struggles families like ours face and raise some funds," dad Olie explains.

The ride begins in Sydney on July 16 and will pass through Newcastle, Gloucester, Armidale, Tenterfield and Uki before reaching Brisbane on July 21.

More information can be found at: facebook.com/wheelinforphelan

And donations can be made at: gofundme.com/wheeling-for-phelan