Stairway to better health
Trafalgar man Luke Mullen is taking a few steps to get on top of some recent health problems.
Well, a lot of steps actually - 1642 to be exact.
That’s the number of stairs he’ll confront as he climbs the 88 floors rising 300 metres at the Eureka Tower in Melbourne on Sunday.
It’s the first time the 43 year-old former policeman now working with South Gippsland Shire has tackled the charity climb that raises funds for disadvantaged people.
“I’ve been through some hard times health wise and saw the climb as a challenge to help get on top of them,” Mr Mullen said.
He has already put in some hard yards preparing for the challenge.
There has been running and plenty of time in the gymnasium strengthening his legs as well as tackling the “One-thousand Stairs” feature in the Dandenong Ranges every couple of weeks.
Mr Mullen’s $100 nomination fees and donation pledges now exceeding $1000 will be his contribution to the two charities, Whitelion and Interplast, that benefit from the Eureka climb.
The personal reward will be when he reaches the Skydeck on the building’s 88th level and takes in the view of Melbourne, as well as the satisfaction of conquering the challenge.
Organisers are confident of beating the $200,000 raised last year.
They expect the “Emergency Service Challenge” involving teams from Ambulance Victoria, State Emergency Service, Victoria Police and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade to again be a highlight.