Traverse a ‘tribute’
COVERING 65km and burning 12,000 calories a day, the Great Australian Traverse is an almost unbelievable feat of endurance.
Brian Freeman of Walking Wounded will run, walk and kayak from the northern tip of Cape York to the South East Cape in Tasmania to raise money for veterans and families of soldiers who didn’t make it back from war.
Mr Freeman started his national traverse this week from Bamaga in Cape York and will make his first stop in Cairns on June 15.
He said no one had ever traversed the 4805km from Australia’s northernmost point to its southernmost point under “full human power”.
“It will be very difficult, but achievable if managed correctly,’’ he said.
“It is a tribute to the 41 young men who lost their lives in the war in Afghanistan.”
Mr Freeman will be carrying a roll of honour on his journey which lists the names of soldiers who fought and died in Afghanistan.
He also hopes his legwork will raise $2 million for the Walking Wounded charity.
The veteran recently
re- turned from Nepal where the first part of the trek began.
“The tragic earthquake and the subsequent loss of life on Anzac Day, of all days, both at Mount Everest and in the greater Nepalese area was devastating,’’ he said.
“Our intentions of summiting Everest with the roll of honour turned to rescue, recovery and assistance.
“The roll of honour can summit Everest next year, but the Tribute back in Australia will continue.”
The traverse is expected to take 65 consecutive days of 65km to reach Victoria.
On August 5 the adventurer plans to kayak the Bass Strait and run another eight days to reach Tasmania’s South East Cape.
BRIAN FREEMAN