Mud, leaches, malaria, dysentery and persistent rain along with numerous other tropical nasties would make many wonder why on earth anyone would choose to take on the challenge of trekking the Kokoda trail.  My reason is pretty simple, I wanted to do something a bit different in the year I turned 40 (apart from having a huge party and behaving like someone half my age) that involved helping a kids charity raise both money and awareness for their cause.

After experiencing second hand, from a close friend who nursed her nephew through Muscular Dystrophy, the Zoe's Place Kokoda trek grabbed me instantly and having two very healthy active kids I couldn’t begin to imagine the difficulties facing families in this situation.
 
I also love a physical and mental challenge and if the Executive Excellence training sessions at Mount Cootha and Bowen Hills are anything to go on then I think I’ve probably met my match with Kokoda.  However, in the true spirit of the trip, I’m relying on the team to help me through the mud and gunk of the jungle although I’m not sure anyone could get me through the horror of leeches in my sock.

As an older generation X’er, the history and hardship of Kokoda is difficult to relate to, or indeed glorify.  However, I have always been fascinated by the resourcefulness and gung ho strength demonstrated by such an ill equipped group of young volunteers who lacked the professional training and experience of their AIF partners, many of whom were also unfamiliar with jungle warfare. Although it will be difficult to fully comprehend the hardship, sacrifice and pain these men endured, I’m looking forward to walking the track they forged, crossing the bridges they built and meeting the locals whose ancestors shared in their victory albeit with huge losses of life on both sides.

Over the last 20 years I have worked in a range of businesses as a student, carefree backpacker and as marketing professional in corporate, government and research agencies.  I believe the business community has an important role in partnering organisations like Zoes Place who need both increased exposure about their cause and financial support in simply keeping the place running for families in need. As part of the team I appreciate your support in this event.

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