A group of determined hikers will let their feet do the talking for brain research when they tackle the National Fire Industry Association (NFIA) Patron’s Annual Walk for Charity along the Great Ocean Road in October.
The group of 10 walkers will weave their way along one of the country’s most iconic treks, aiming to raise $100,000, for the University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute and the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation.
The group have currently raised over $72,000.
NFIA Patron Brian Davies said he and his wife, Liz, came up with the idea after being inspired by the Three Capes Walk in Tasmania, which raised $40,000 for dementia research.
“When Liz and I walked in Tasmania … we were humbled by the response we received,” Mr Davies said.
“It got us thinking that we should do a walk for charity in my role as (NFIA) Patron.
“Liz and I have committed to three walks over the next three years, with next year’s walk to the Overland Track in Tasmania being already half booked out!”
The group, led by Aurora Adventures, will walk a spectacular route through national parks full of tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores and windswept cliff-tops.
Afghanistan veteran Commando Tim Thomas will be among the group walking the nearly 50km journey.
Commando Thomas suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after his return from duty and underwent the program at the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation.
“We are supporting the Queensland Brain Institute and the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation equally,” Mr Davies said.
“Collectively, they have over 15 very deserving causes, including dementia, Motor Neurone Disease (MND), cancer, mental illness and, of course, the program to assist our returned soldiers return to civilian life.”
Brian and Liz Davies and Commando Tim Thomas will be joined on the walk by Haysam Mohtadi, Neil Zouaoui, Tara Zouaoui, Ashley Knapp, Vicki Toth, Steve Trevor and Pina Trevor who live in all parts of Australia.
The NFIA Patron’s Annual Walk for Charity is supported by Antec, Ampac Fire Safety, ARA Fire, DIS Fire Systems, FlameSafe Fire Protection, Victaulic, Botany Access, Specialised Fire Protection, Uptick, Windsor Management Insurance Brokers, Fire Logbooks Australia.
Click here to donate and help Mr Davies and the group reach their goal of $100,000.