GELORUP man Kevin Martin is tackling the Kokoda Track to raise funds and awareness for mental health service Lifeline.
The 68-year-old has set himself the target of $15,000 to be raised by April next year, when he will begin the trek.
Mr Martin said the inspiration behind the trek came from a number of people close to him suffering from depression.
“Lifeline is a charity dear to my heart,” he said.
“I know a number of people who have suffered from depression and I have come to realise that it can affect those of any age and from all walks of life.”
The Kokoda challenge involves climbing the harsh route taken by Australian soldiers in World War II to defend the Japanese invasion.
Mr Martin will face steep mountain climbing and descending, high heat and humidity in the lowlands and dense rain forest on the trek.
“We won’t be subjected to enemy fire, but all the other challenges remain the same,” he said.
Mr Martin will trek for 11 days, up and over the Owen Stanley Ranges to Kokoda Village on the northern side of the mountain.
“One great inspiration for me will be that we will attend the Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian War Memorial at Brigade Hill on the morning of our seventh day,” he said.
You can donate to the cause online.
