By BRIDGET SCOTT
CAROLE-Ann Kerford shared a special bond with her late grandfather – she was the first person he really opened up to following his experiences in World War II.
It’s with this unique relationship in mind, and the memories of her former years which were plagued with illness, that Carole-Ann from Cranbourne North is trekking the Kokoda Track this month.
“It will be a celebration of my health and finding my wellness,” she said.
After living most of her life battling obesity among a number of other health issues, trekking Kokoda was once an unimaginable dream.
Carole-Ann is tackling the track through Soldier On, an organisation set up to help returned soldiers dealing with both physical and psychological wounds.
Carole-Ann found out about the group through a friend who is an ex-navy man and also deals with post-traumatic stress.
“The work they do is amazing,” she said.
“They help people find life again.”
Carole-Ann said this will be a fitting way to pay tribute to her grandfather Geoffrey Monger, as well as marking her 40th birthday.
“He would be very proud of me,” she said.
“It’s a great way to pay tribute to him.”
Carole-Ann has joined returned servicemen on her journey in Papa New Guinea which will end on 27 April.
The mother-of-three said her mental strength will help her through the trek which she has put months of training into.
Mr Monger was a signal man during WWI and went to Papa New Guinea and spent some time in the Middle East.
His granddaughter, who has taken miniatures of his war medals overseas, said she does not believe in war and said she felt honoured to complete this trek with the people who are going along with her.
“It’s the biggest physical challenge you could do, and I get to do it with these people,” she said.
She said she “could not have contemplated this a year ago” given her poor health.
