As his feet ached from severe blisters and he trudged through snow on a walk from Launceston to Hobart, it is unlikely Police Minister Mark Shelton was eagerly anticipating the next time he had to pull on the walking shoes.
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Then again, the inspiration behind his walk, grandson Evan Shelton was no doubt at the front of his mind as he ignored the pain and marched on to raise money for StGiles.
That is why he is traversing the treacherous course from Launceston to Hobart he walked along in 2017 and again raising funds for StGiles from January 28 next year.
Evan has been aided by the services of StGiles since he was born and Mr Shelton understands their importance to the Tasmanian community as well as most.
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In trekking for five days Mr Shelton will walk 40 kilometres a day and spend up to 10 hours on the road. But for his sacrifices it is hoped that he will raise $10,000 for the charity.
"It's fantastic to be able to be in the situation where I can be able to do another walk for StGiles," Mr Shelton said.
"They've done a great job for our family and they do a fantastic job for families right across the state.
"The walking is just one foot in front of the other and remembering we aren't just doing this for my grandson Evan. StGiles do a fantastic job year in and year out and while I can do a walk, we need to back them up and do whatever we can for them."
Mr Shelton said the difficulties faced by Tasmanians across the board was added incentive to commit to undertaking the walk again.
"It's been a tough year for all Tasmanians but also community organisations that rely on donations ... I'm just happy to do my bit," he said.
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StGiles chief development officer Nic Stephen said the role that Mr Shelton, and other donor campaigns play are integral to the sustenance of the charity.
"It's such an awareness building opportunity for us. The work that we do in the community involves the community knowing what we do and the impact that we have on people and families and on little ones in particular," he said.
"Having someone with such community involvement and a known face and known name allows us to be able to achieve those outcomes."
In 2017 the weather during Mr Shelton's walk was so bad that it is thought to have encouraged people to carry the fundraising total to $23,000. And while Mr Stephens had Mr Shelton's best interests at heart, raising as much money during the campaign was the paramount concern.
"Another nice dump of snow would be fabulous, but I'm not sure Mark would agree with that."
What you need to know
- What: A 200 kilometre walk from Launceston to Hobart
- Why: To raise money for StGiles
- When: Five days from January 28 - February 1
- Goal: $10,000
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