HOBART residents are encouraged to support a 1,400km charity world record walk around Tasmania to raise awareness and combat the stigma about Mental Health.

…father and son team Christopher and Kelvyn Linton are undertaking an unsupported long-distance charity walk around the perimeter of Tasmania, Australia.

The walk is estimated to be approximately 1,400km, taking 300 walk-hours or around 45 days to complete.

Mr Linton said the purpose of the walk was to raise funds, bring awareness to, and combat the stigma associated with Mood Disorders, particularly Depression and Bipolar Disorder.

“I am a life-long sufferer of Bipolar Disorder, managing the best I could with the limited resources available to me,” he said.

“The walk is to acknowledge my journey and make an attempt to help others who need a voice.”

“We aim to raise $100,000 to assist the Black Dog Institute, a not-for-profit organisation and work leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Mood Disorders.”

“We want to create awareness and positive change by doing something really spectacular.”

Mr Linton said donations would be collected on the way and via their website at www.earthwalkcommunity.com.

‘Chris’s Earth Walk for Hope’ will run from 1 April to 16 May, starting in Port Arthur and culminating at Bruny Island Cheese Company.

It is projected that 25 to 50km will be walked each and every day with the exception of a recovery period and resupply stop.

Kelvin Linton’s portion of the walk will be 19 days, concluding at Latrobe High School [ Devonport, Tasmania ] on Monday 20 April.

Mr Linton will continue walking solo for the remaining 800kms.

Three world records will be attempted:

• The youngest person to walk across Tasmania, Australia,
• The first father-son team to walk across Tasmania, Australia, and
• The first person to walk around the perimeter of Tasmania, Australia.

“I hope as many people can come and say hello to me [ us ] as I [ we ] walk through the towns on the route schedule, ” Mr Linton said.

” But more importantly, to be at the Bruny Island to welcome me as I complete this historical walk.”

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