Canberra real estate agents to complete Kokoda Trail with Victoria Cross recipient

A team of 20 real estate agents from Independent and members of the public have announced they will be trekking the Kokoda Trail with Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Daniel Keighran next year to raise funds for Lifeline Canberra.

Director of the Australian War Memorial Dr Brendan Nelson launched the initiative on Thursday at the Memorial. Dr Nelson is a patron of Lifeline.

Independent announced they have a fundraising target of $200,000 for Lifeline Canberra.

The fundraiser was conceived by Independent property management coordinator Melissa Cringle who first discussed the trail with Lifeline chief executive Carrie Leeson three months ago.

“We’re expecting that it will be both physically and emotionally exhausting, but it will be a life-changing challenge and raise funds for Lifeline Canberra,” she said.

“We’ve got great support from trekking company 100% Kokoda and Independent to train and get ready, but we are looking for more corporate sponsors to ensure we reach our fundraising target of $200,000.”

Speaking at the event on Thursday, Ms Cringle told of how she was motivated to raise funds for Lifeline after a chat with a colleague who was going through a tough time.

It was Ms Leeson’s idea to ask Corporal Keighran to lead the trail as the VC recipient has completed the course and would be able to teach those trekking about the history.

“I’m really looking forward to it, and thankful we have an exceptional leader in Corporal Daniel Keighran VC,” Ms Leeson said.

“I was absolutely thrilled that Melissa decided to support Lifeline Canberra by raising funds by walking the Kokoda Trail, and even happier when Dan Keighran agreed to come.”

Corporal Keighran said the trail was a tough physical and emotional experience.

“I’ve seen people break down both physically and mentally on the Kokoda Trail,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all those who want to come along and urge people to support us to raise much-needed funding.”

Members of the public will also be invited to join the trail. An information evening will be held on Monday, September 2 at the Ainslie Football Club from 6.30pm. The team will be walking the trail in May 2020.