Bound for Botany Bay and back

Richard Payne

Chris Lavett is a man on a mission.

The Shell Cove Pre School owner took up walking as a way of taking off weight only four years ago.

Now Mr Lavett is calling on the general community to join him in lightening the load on both their wallets and their waistband as he embarks on the early stages of a walkathon for charity.

Joining forces with Cleo and Daz from Bobby’s Burgers in Shellharbour Village, Mr Lavett is organising the two-day walk from Shellharbour to Botany Bay with all the money raised going to Camp Quality.

Mr Lavett said he was hoping to raise over $25,000 for local sick and disadvantaged youth.

“The walk’s organising committee is currently meeting with local businessman with a view to organising a range of corporate sponsorships for the event,” he said.

As well as calling on big business to lend a hand, Mr Lavett is asking the general community to take part in the event.

The avid walker said it was not imperative that participants conquer the entire 100 kilometre course.

“We will be starting at Shellharbour and we would be more than happy if people only joined in for part of the walk if that is all they felt they were up too,” he said.

“The first day we plan on walking the 50 kilometres to Helensburgh.

“People can stop there or even back at Wollongong if they would like.

“The most important thing is the amount of money we raise for charity.”

Mr Lavett said he was hoping to get a couple of hundred people taking some sort of part in the walk.

“That way we can have as much fun and raise as much money as possible.”

Mr Lavett appreciates the benefits of walking first-hand after shedding over 30 kilograms of body weight since taking up the exercise four years ago.

“While my main goal is to raise money for charity, I also hope the walkathon will get as many local residents as possible out exercising.

“Ever since I started walking I haven’t stopped,” he said.

“Walking is a great form of exercise and that is why we chose to do a walkathon.

“I’ve become hooked. It is an easy and fun way of staying fit.”

The walkathon will take place on May 31 leaving from Shellharbour.

To take part you can collect an information pack which includes an application form, a walk guide, training guide and basic information on what will happen on the day from Shell Cove Pre School, 32 Southern Cross Boulevard, during school hours.

Or if you prefer to have a pack mailed out to you or for more information call Chris Lavett on on 0414 335 769.