Dave Place and Kym Oates are tackling the Kokoda Track to raise funds for PMH.
Camera IconDave Place and Kym Oates are tackling the Kokoda Track to raise funds for PMH. Credit: Supplied/Will Russell        d440655

Kokoda challenge to help burns unit

Tyler BrownWanneroo Times

Over the past few years, Ms Oates has worked behind the scenes of the Perth Firefighters Calendar, which fundraises for the burns unit at PMH, so the couple decided to direct their fundraising to the same cause.

They aim to raise $20,000 by trekking the 96km track, which should take them about eight days.

"Sometimes you can walk for seven or eight hours a day and only travel about 4km because the terrain is so rugged," Ms Oates said.

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"The other aspect of the trek is that we will be dealing with the humidity, mud, mosquitoes, track conditions and inclement weather, but it is all worth it to help fundraise for the PMH Foundation to support the burns unit at PMH.

"The work staff do at PMH is just incredible, so we want to help support the hospital however we can."

Ms Oates said the pair was "in serious training mode" ahead of the September challenge.

"The Kokoda Track is such a mental and physical challenge and it's something that has been on both our bucket lists of things to do for many years," she said.

"Dave also has a close connection to Kokoda because a family member was involved in the campaign in Papua New Guinea in World War 2, so it's something that's very important for him."

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