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A thought bubble charity challenge for comedian and veteran Jarryd Goundrey has eclipsed all expectations, but what began as a joke became no laughing matter.
One of Australia's most sacred pilgrimages, the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea, hosts thousands of visitors every year as they pay homage to the fierce battles during the World War II Pacific campaign.
The Kokoda Trail is still considered one of the world's most grueling treks, even with modern day packs and camping gear.
But what if, as a sign of respect to the brave Aussie diggers who fought on the track, someone suited up in WWII-style Australian army fatigues and boots, ate similar rations and slept without a tent during a tilt at the infamous tropical trail walk?
Step up Jarryd Goundrey and his band of merry hikers.
The challenge was set: if Jarryd could raise $50,000 for veteran support he would do the trek in the decades-old kit.
Veterans First Consulting stepped in to match the first $25,000 raised dollar-for-dollar. The target was achieved and in no time the plan was in motion!
"WW2 uniform acquired. I will be eating 40s style rations the whole time too. Canned beef, hard biscuits, apricots and black tea," Jarryd said.
"I got my “sleeping gear” … a blanket and the jungle floor."
The 96-kilometre hike, which generally takes around six to ten days to complete and rises to a peak elevation of over 2200m at Mount Bellamy, was the focus for Jarryd and his mates to support the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM).
"1000 meters of elevation," Jarryd said from their campsite early in the trek.
"Two days and a spot of reception. I'm not sure what the silliest decision was. The sleeping arrangement. The rations. Or the shoes."
Drawing on his own personal struggles Jarryd and his support crew began and finished their walk under the famous arches at Owers Corner and Kokoda, stopping at every major battlefield along the way.
"It will take a while to process all the feelings, insights and emotions. Doing the track in period boots and uniform definitely connected me with the incredible men that walked those steps in 1942," Jarryd said.
"Any hardship I felt was a fraction of the pain they had to endure."
All money raised will assist veteran artists and also help create an exhibition called "Courage of Kokoda", which will tour nationally.
"We need to do some donation counting, but it looks like we may be around $80k raised for ANVAM," Jarryd announced on social media.
A travelling cameraman documented every move by Jarryd and his expedition members in early October. Jarryd will release 11 days of videos leading up to Remembrance Day, plus a long-form documentary.
"Showcasing veterans art is such a powerful way to show vets that after service there is an alternative to sitting around feeling sorry for yourself."
The Courage of Kokoda 2027 exhibition will also combine a series of new works by Veteran Artists exploring the theme of courage, which will be exhibited at ANVAM. The fund for ongoing support of Veteran Artists to develop their creative practice and share their work will also be a beneficiary.
"The profits from anyone joining my trek will also go towards this project," Jarryd said.
"Massive shoutout to sponsors for this Veterans First Consulting. I will put my head down and work on making this into 100k."
"Thank you to the people of Papua New Guinea for everything you have done for the Australian Army, Navy and Air Force," Jarryd added.
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