IT IS no mean feat to walk 96 kilometres over ten days through some of the world’s toughest conditions, but Bunbury man Jason Rushton is taking that challenge.
Jason decided only two months ago that he would help his father Murray live his dream of walking the Kokoda track that his grandfather walked during World War II.
Jason said his father had been talking about walking Kokoda for years but never had the push to do it – until now.
“I just said let’s book it now and worry about the rest later,” he said.
Jason’s grandad Ronald Rushton was conscripted to the war when he was just 19-years-old.
The war veteran spent time in Papua New Guinea and Egypt for the war which included the Kokoda trail.
Ronald passed away in 2008 and one thing his son always regretted was not asking him more about the war.
“The only thing he told my father was that if it was not for the fuzzy wuzzys (indigenous Papua New Guineans) he would be dead,” Jason Rushton said.
As part of their trail the father son duo will stop at each point Ronald was in contact with the enemy.
While Jason’s father is 60-years-old he is confident he will last the distance.
“He has strong will power – even if his body gives up his mind will keep going,” Jason said.
