AFTER giving up her home, job and study in Melbourne in the pursuit of a dream, it may seem that Vratka Pokorna is not scared of much.
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But there is something that does terrify her - heights.
Despite her fear, Ms Pokorna will ``go with the wind'' in November and travel throughout Australia in an attempt to raise $3 million for disadvantaged youth.
Troubled by high rates of youth suicide, the negative influence of the media upon children and the exploitation of youth internationally, Ms Pokorna decided it was time for her to act.
``My friend has a hot air balloon and I knew I had to do something that will get attention,'' Ms Pokorna said.
It is not the first time the Czech-born 48-year-old has undertaken such a long journey. In 2010, she travelled more than 4000 kilometres around Australia on a scooter gathering donations for the Save the Children charity. Three pairs of shoes and two sets of tyres later, Ms Pokorna had raised $6000.
``It's my way of showing that anything is possible,'' she said.
With the motto that ``what is not impossible, is possible'', Ms Pokorna does not plan to stop at hot air ballooning. With a dream climbing partner in mind, Ms Pokorna aims to conquer Mount Everest.
``I am working on getting Richard Branson to come along,'' she said.
``Together, he and I need to raise global consciousness and think from a different perspective.''
If Ms Pokorna is successful in her attempt to raise $3 million, she plans to distribute the money raised through various charities.
``I know I am here to help. I refuse to shut off my heart,'' she said.