Supporting Hartley by trekking Kokoda in May 2026

Hi friends and followers! 

As many of you know, 15 years ago my grandpa was involved in a collision on his bicycle whilst training for an Iron Man competition, and he suffered a serious spinal cord injury causing paraplegia throughout his body. This has been the reality for my family, especially my grandpa, grandma, and father, in the time since, and has brought us some of our toughest moments, which we have always worked to meet with strength and a positive outlook to keep carrying on.

One outcome of this was my dad completing the two Spine Tingling Charity Rides in 2017 and 2023, following a promise he made to my Grandpa during one of the toughest stages of his recovery. These 2 rides raised a collective over $300,000 for Spinal Cure Australia & Hartley Life Care, two organisations that became a huge part of my family's lives following Grandpa's injury.

Following the 2nd ride, my dad was invited by Hartley to take part in their 2025 Kokoda Trail trek to continue supporting and fundraising for the work they do. My dad being my dad, of course, said yes and off he went in May last year, raising over $13,000.

Well, the time has come for the 2026 Kokoda Trail trek, and I thought what better way to get in some father-son bonding time than tagging along this time around. So here we are!

I've always been inspired by my dad and the things he has done, both publicly and privately, since my grandpa's injury to support both him and the charities that supported us in our toughest times. I'm excited to take part in the Hartley Kokoda Trail 2026 and support the work of this amazing organisation.

So I ask, if you have a spare $1, $5, $10 or whatever amount you choose, consider sponsoring my trek. My family, Hartley, and I offer our eternal gratitude, and the promise that all the funds will go towards Hartley's work in supporting families like my own, which I know firsthand is invaluable to finding some sense of stability out of such tragic circumstances.

Thank you for supporting Hartley Lifecare by sponsoring a walker taking on the Kokoda Trail in May 2026. Your support helps people with disability live their best life.

Hartley Lifecare is a Canberra-based not-for-profit organisation providing supported independent living, short term accommodation and respite care to people with disability across the ACT. We also operate an all-abilities, accessible hydrotherapy pool that supports mobility, wellbeing and independence.

Your donation helps Hartley deliver the everyday supports that make a real difference. This includes safe and well-maintained homes, accessible transport, short breaks and meaningful experiences such as outings and holidays. Donations also contribute to major infrastructure projects, including the complete rebuild of Hartley Court, a specialist disability accommodation for 10 Canberrans.