Fogden to Tackle Kokoda this October

As written by Brooke, Leading up to the Finesse Built Slowdown and Kokoda Track adventure in October.

Being in a position to support the Little Heroes Foundation is a real privilege. It’s such an inspirational organisation that helps families at a time when they need it most. It’s never easy seeing a really sick child go through such a tough time, not to mention the pressure and emotional turmoil that the entire family must bear. As a parent it really tugs at the heartstrings and I can appreciate that any assistance would be invaluable. It has hit home more recently with my cousin’s little boy going through cancer treatment, so I’ve been able to see first hand what Little Heroes Foundation does to help and ease the burden on their family both emotionally and financially. This has definitely provided me with further motivation to help out.

I have always had the Kokoda Track on my bucket list and to be able to do this whilst raising money for Little Heroes is a no brainer. Talking to fellow trekkers, I know it will be extremely tough going, but it will pale into comparison to what the little kids who the foundation support, are going through.

I haven’t really followed any fitness regime since my footy days so training for Kokoda has been hard and gruelling. I’ve been heading up Mt Lofty at 6am every weekend for the past 2 months and then getting home to collapse on the couch for the next 3 hrs. STUFFED and PUFFED!!

Training for Kokoda has also helped me get a bit fitter in the lead up to the Slowdown – it’s also inspired me to give up smoking (something I’ve been trying to do on and off for the last few years). Although I’m much slower and heavier than I used to be in my footy playing days, at least I’m not the only one so it’s good to see some of the other players have aged just as gracefully!? I’ve really enjoyed catching up with some old team mates as well as some absolute legends of the AFL!

Michelle (my wife) has been really supportive of my preparation and has even noticed a few muscles making a comeback in my long, skinny ‘chicken legs’! On a serious note, she’s been invaluable in helping me to raise funds for Little Heroes Foundation. Our Twighlight Bowls Fundraiser in May raised approx $7k which was awesome. Currently she is organising an art auction to further help with fundraising, featuring a number of well known SA Artists, called SA Artists for SA Kids. It would be awesome to have a link to the Facebook event featured, as the auction commences Sept 6, just after Slowdown.

Another challenge (or should I say highlight!) of the trek will be having Michelle’s mum tagging along. Gotta love having your mother-in-law with you 24/7 for 12 days straight! She’s pretty fit so I’m hoping she doesn’t ‘out trek’ me!

Help me support seriously ill children by making a donation to my page at: https://kokodatrack2017.gofundraise.com.au/page/BrookeFogden