BATTLING a chronic illness is one of the inspirations behind a finance broker’s quest to paddle the length of the Murray River.
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Scott Matthews will take to the water at Lake Hume today in his kayak on the first leg of a 42-day, 2250km journey to raise money for Make A Wish Australia.
The Adelaide man, 31, has lived with Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract but normally occurs in the lower part of the small intestine, for about 20 years but was diagnosed with the condition only in 1999.
“In 2001 they removed half my intestine,” Mr Matthews said.
Despite having to stick to a strict low fat diet and take tablets each day, Mr Matthews says there are many others, including children with terminal illnesses, who are worse off.
“It’s very unlikely it’s going to kill me, I don’t have to fight a daily battle,” he said.
“It makes you realise just how lucky you are to have your health.
“The kids are great ... and so innocent when they get sick.”
Mr Matthews said the aim of Kanoe4Kids was to raise $100,000 which would grant at least 10 wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
“If everyone puts in $5 or $2, a little bit from a lot of people goes a long way,” he said.
The journey will see Mr Matthews travel through major towns such as Mildura and Murray Bridge before ending at Goolwa about December 9.
The kayaker, who took up the sport only this year, has been training intensively for the past five months and while he knows there will be tough days along the way, is sure the smile on sick children’s faces when they get their wish will spur him on.
To make a donation visit www.kanoe4kids.com.au.