KELVYN Linton ( 14 ), has been named the youngest person to walk across Tasmania, Australia – with a focus on mental health awareness.
Kelvyn and father Chris Linton have reached Latrobe after a 19-day trek from Port Arthur hauling a trolley carrying 125kg of food and camping gear along the way.
And while his fund-raising journey ended yesterday at Latrobe High School – where he goes back to school this week – his father is continuing a circumnavigation of Tasmania via the West Coast, which is expected to end on Bruny Island after another 45 days.
So far they have raised about $2000 for the Black Dog Institute, a charity that tackles depression and suicide, and Mr Linton aims to raise a lot more towards the end as the expedition gained in profile.
“I think raising awareness is the most important thing. Depression is an epidemic,” he said.
According to the World Health Organisation, depression is the third most important health concern and it is estimated the illness will be the top health concern in developed and developing nations by 2030.
Mr Linton said at times their journey had been cold and wet, and that climbing out of a tent early on a rainy or frosty morning had been tough at times.
“We are walking on blisters,” he said.
Offers of meals and shelter meant they weren’t living only on dehydrated food, and they had slept comfortably on “about 15 percent” of the nights.
Story by: BRUCE MOUNSTER
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