Vic: Marathon walker seeks $100,000 for children's cancer

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2005
Vic: Marathon walker seeks $100,000 for children's cancer

MELBOURNE, Feb 14 AAP - He has run from Melbourne to Adelaide but nothing compares
to Colin Ricketts' latest challenge.

Inspired by his son's survival of a brain tumour, the 47-year-old Adelaide man is walking
solo around Australia to raise $100,000 for research and treatment of children's cancer.

He left Melbourne today heading for Sydney on the next leg of his epic journey, in
the company of continuous walking world record holder Deborah De Williams.

Mr Ricketts' marathon began at Hahndorf, in the Adelaide Hills, on January 4, and he
has already covered 1,200km in what will be a 464-day and 15,000km walk.

For most of the journey his only company will be a three-wheel cart carrying a tent,
cooking equipment, spare clothes and a few personal belongings.

"My son Luke survived a brain tumour when he was five months old and he's now 25 years
old and is a great guy," he said.

"His is a happy story and now I'm trying to help other children with cancer."

Mr Ricketts has a fundraising target of $100,000, with a nominated hospital in each
state as beneficiaries.

So far, he has raised $25,000.

Mr Ricketts, a former umpire in the South Australian National Football League and amateur
athlete, quit his job last year.

He has spent 10 months building his fitness and strength in preparation for the 30km
to 40km he walks each day.

So far, his body has not let him down.

"It's been great," he said.

"You have the odd tight or sore spots."

Mr Ricketts has now spent 42 days on the road, and has made it from Adelaide to Melbourne,
crossing Tasmania from Hobart to Devonport.

Mr Ricketts' walking companion today, Deborah De Williams, gave him some timely advice
from her own 12-month continuous walk around Australia which finished in October last
year.

"He's got a great, positive attitude," she said.

"Anyone who goes out and does an event like this is a winner already, whether he finishes
or not."

She said the toughest part of the journey would be in northern Australia, when Mr Ricketts
will confront heat and isolation.

Mr Ricketts expects to return to Adelaide in April next year.

His progress can be followed via www.startanewlife.com.au

AAP mp/snp/sd

KEYWORD: WALKER

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