Trotter on run

By Danielle Galvin
A 30-KILOMETRE run through the Dandenong Ranges will be a challenge of a different kind for the firies from the Narre Warren North CFA.
Captain Shaun Trotter will lead the team ‘3 Firies and an Ambo’ to raise money and awareness for troubled teens through the Kokoda Youth Program.
The challenge will involve a trek through the Dandenong Ranges, starting at the infamous 1000 steps in Ferntree Gully.
“We actually did it last year. I gave up smoking two years ago, and we decided we wanted to get fit and challenge our bodies,” he said.
The teams will have to make it through the course in nine hours.
“It’s physically and mentally challenging, but it’s a great team building exercise,” he said.
Mr Trotter’s team includes firefighters Michael Burgess and Steve Ponton and Paramedic Shannon Davey from Narre Warren. The Narre Warren North team is also supported by Andrew Jones and Keith Shepherd who make up The Ashes team.
“It was my wife’s idea to do it last year. This year I have two members from my own brigade helping out,” he said.
The Boost Melbourne Kokoda Challenge is the main fundraiser for the Kokoda Foundation, which helps troubled teens through difficult times.
“Teens go through the program and then they actually get to do the Kokoda Trail at the end.”
Last year, Mr Trotter’s team came in 10th place in the four- person teams.
“Part of it is showing our community that we are fit and we do care about staying healthy,” he said.
The trek starts at 7am on 23 October and the team has been busy training for the fundraiser.
“I’ve been training near where I live, going to the gym and jogging around Wilson Botanical Park in Berwick. But it will be strenuous.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can visit www.kokodachallenge.com/youth-program.