‘Skipper’ to walk Kokoda Track in Parkinson’s fundraiser

Adelaide-based Navy veteran with Parkinson’s Disease, Mike ‘Skipper’ Aitchison, is preparing to walk Papua New Guinea’s iconic Kokoda Track for the second time. This time, however, he’s looking for veterans and others impacted by Parkinson’s to join him and unleash the Kokoda spirit that lies within them.

“I’ve got Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s hasn’t got me!” he says.

From 4 to 13 March next year Mike will be a key player in the 96km Skipper’s Trek, supporting The Hospital Research Foundation Group Parkinson’s (www.fightingparkinsons.org.au ).

He’s extended a one-of-a-kind invitation to veterans and others, both Parkinson’s sufferers and able-bodied, to march with him on Skipper’s Trek across the majestic Owen Stanley range in the footsteps of the Australian heroes of World War II.

“We want to raise funds for Parkinson’s research and raise community awareness of the disease itself,” he says: “It would be greatly appreciated if our Trekkers can raise funds through their social networks to donate to The Hospital Research Foundation Group Parkinson’s, which will be used for research, supporting those with Parkinson’s and their families.”

“It would be good to establish the Skipper’s Trek as an annual event for defence veterans,” adds Mike. “We want this event to have a legacy and to go on making money year after year to fund research and awareness.”

The $4,450 trek will take eight days and seven nights – total travel time is ten days and nine nights. Mike promises nothing except 12-19km of steep and arduous terrain each day – and a stunning landscape of mountain ranges, tropical rainforests, pristine rivers and a rich tapestry of local cultures. The trek will culminate in a service at the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby.

As well as raising funds for Parkinson’s Disease research and awareness, Skipper’s Trek aims to bring out in participants the values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice, says Mike.

These words are inscribed on four pillars at the Kokoda Battle site of Isurava. The pillars were erected to commemorate the greatest sacrifices made by the men who fought along the track.

The team will be led by former Paratrooper and 3^rd Bn Royal Australian Regiment veteran Lee Campbell, owner of adventure and fitness company Bfirm who has himself led numerous treks on the Track.

“The Kokoda Track touches and changes lives from the moment you step on to it,” he says. “The living history and the kindness of the PNG people are incredible. Once you walk the track, it never leaves you.”

Extensive training is required before the trek, which Lee will oversee. A medical clearance is a prerequisite, but the team includes an emergency trek medic as well as support staff who’ll carry the tents, food and cooking equipment. And you can even get somebody (at extra cost) to carry your pack.

The entire venture is organised by Kokoda Courage, a Torquay, VIC-based adventure travel company established in 2008 by Victoria Police veteran Peter Condon who has personally guided more than 50 treks on the Kokoda Track.

Don’t forget to follow Skipper’s Trek on social media to see what they are up to: simply search on Instagram or Facebook for Skipper’s Trek – and use the QR code on this page to donate!