Two AFL Sapphire Coast players from the Far South Coast are walking to the Melbourne for a good cause.
Sam O’Connor and Jack Corcoran from the Bermagui Breakers set off on the adventure of a lifetime from the NSW/Victoria Border to the MCG at 6:15am on Saturday (September 21) to raise money for Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia.
At the time of writing, the pair were over the halfway point and had just set off from Stratford, edging closer to thier destination, watching the AFL Grand Final between Brisbane and Sydney at the home of footy.
The duo, who live in Bermagui, have both suffered concussions in the past. While Sam has recovered from his past concussions with little problem, Jack has suffered from persisting post-concussion symptoms that have taken longer to resolve and have impacted his day-to-day activities.
To help educate the community that every concussion is unique, the pair wanted to do something to raise awareness of the traumatic brain injury on an epic scale.
So, the idea was born. 488km in 8 days as they walk/run an average of 61km a day. Supporting them along the way will be Jack and Sam’s friend, Amy, who will drive alongside the pair for the first leg of the run.
They’ve already raised around $9,000 but have a target of $15,000.
“That (target) started at $5,000, and we’ve got a lot more support and backing that we thought we’d get, so we had to up that to $15,000, which is great we love the support that we’re getting, it’s amazing and it’s driving us to keep going,” O’Connor told ARN Bega Bay.
To support the boys from Bermi, you can visit their Go Fund Me page here or follow them on Instagram @gf_concussion_cuise
Jack who is a high school English teacher in Narooma, and Sam who is a local electrician, can’t wait to arrive at the ‘G.
“Firstly to watch the grand final will be great, secondly to raise this money for Connectivity TBI which is an organisation which specialises in education around traumatic brain injuries like concussion and brain injuries in sport,” Jack said.
“And thirdly to see Katy Perry at half time,” Sam laughed.
The regions covered/rough plan is:
Day one: Monaro Highway – Cann River (44km) Saturday, 21 September
Day two: Cann River – Orbost (76km) Sunday, 22 September
Day three: Orbost – Bruthen (63km) Monday, 23 September
Day four: Bruthen – Stratford (76km) Tuesday, 24 September
Day five: Stratford – Traralgon (65km) Wednesday, 25 September
Day six: Traralgon – Waragul (64km) Thursday, 26 September
Day seven: Warragul – Dandegong (71km) Friday, 27 September
Day eight: Dandegong – MCG (29km) Saturday, 28 September
Images: Sam O’Connor, Google
