Bright spark set to trek Kokoda

Dunsborough resident Roy Padmore will take on the Kokoda Trail this year to raise vital funds for depression.

The 60-year-old electrician will travel to Papua New Guinea in August to start the walk.

He said he is attempting to raise $5000 for beyondblue.

"Doing Kokoda has been on my bucket list for a long time," he said.

"One of my customers did it in his 70s and that was the final push I needed to do it.

"I have already raised $3500 and hope I can get to my $5000 goal.

"I was inspired to choose beyondblue as my charity by a family member who suffers from depression and bipolar."

Mr Padmore has been walking and cycling 6km a day, four days a week preparing for the trip, but will soon increase training as the walk approached.

He said he was looking forward to completing the 92km trek in the footsteps of WWII heroes. "I'm really looking forward to the experience. It will be challenging, but I think it will be an experience to remember," he said.

To donate to Mr Padmore's chosen charity visit http://www.gofundme. com/Dunbay-Electrical.

"Undertaking this challenge is a 60th birthday present to myself," he said.