Kyle Nolan, Stuart Pestana, Zak Jovanov, Craig Stappenbelt and Martin Quinlan.
Martin Kennealey    d449849
Camera IconKyle Nolan, Stuart Pestana, Zak Jovanov, Craig Stappenbelt and Martin Quinlan. Martin Kennealey d449849 Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey d449849

Going to great heights to help

Laura PondNorth Coast Times

Mila (8) was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was two-and-a-half and underwent more than six months of chemotherapy.

Mr Jovanov, of Hamersley, said Mila was given the “worst” prognosis, but by a “miracle” is now happy, healthy and only requires testing once per year.

“Doctors can’t believe it,” he said.

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While supporting Mila in hospital, he met Rick Parish, who established Telethon Adventurers to raise money for childhood cancer research.

He joined the group in climbing Mont Blanc in 2010, raising $10,000 for the cause.

Since then, he has helped to raise $70,000 by holding events through his business, Premier Martial Arts and Fitness Academy, and has recruited two instructors and two parents to join him in a 15-day trek to the Mt Everest base camp in April.

“I’m feeling great about the guys who are doing it,” he said.

“You have to snap out of things, stand up and do it.

“We want to lead by example.”

The group is training five days a week for the challenge and Mr Jovanov said he was expecting the climb to be tough.

“Everyone I tell says, ‘You’re crazy’,” he said.

“I like the scary feeling, it challenges me, I thrive off that.”

Along with raising $20,000, he wants to increase awareness of childhood cancer.

People are encouraged to visit the academy from 8.30am to 1pm on February 28 for a charity competition and fundraising activities.

Visit premieracademy.com.au or donate here.