Cessnock man Daniel Short has completed a gruelling nine-day, 96-kilometre trek of the legendary Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea.
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He was part of a group of 13 Australians who took on the challenge for beyondblue, to raise awareness of anxiety and depression.
Daniel – who was diagnosed with bipolar four years ago – said the trek was an emotional rollercoaster, and one of self-discovery.
“I’ve learnt that I’m in a pretty good place in life, and that I’m stronger and more determined than I thought,” he said.
“And also how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful country, and what our soldiers sacrificed in such treacherous conditions.”
Daniel trained for nine months for the trek, but said nothing could have prepared him for the conditions, the ankle-deep mud and the humidity.
While it was physically and mentally tough, he would recommend it to anyone.
“It’s a hell of an experience,” he said.
The group travelled with Backtrack Adventures and raised a total of $80,000 for beyondblue between them.
Daniel has raised $7000 to date, and donations can still be made online here.