A corporate high flyer has relinquished all his worldy possessions to embark on a 1000-kilometre journey to raise money for a charity close to the Border’s heart.
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Melbourne’s Mike Coen will set off on a trek across France and Spain on August 21 on a mission of mercy for Meg’s Children Nepal.
The charity was founded by Bowna’s Trish Ryan in memory of her daughter Meg, who died in 2003 from complications of spina bifida.
A grieving Mrs Ryan travelled to Nepal to volunteer in an orphanage and in 2005 set up an organisation to help children rise above poverty and neglect.
Mr Coen first heard the story of Meg’s Children two years ago at a friend’s fundraising dinner held in the tight-knit farming district where Mrs Ryan lives.
The former marketing executive was so moved by her efforts that he pledged to raise $100,000 while he walks the Caminos (or Way of St James), a revered ancient route taken by millions of pilgrims.
Mr Coen will set off on his own with a 10-kilogram pack and a steely determination to “make a difference to some very desperate lives”.
His hope is Meg’s Children Nepal can expand the breadth of its work to change the lives of children who would otherwise be forced to beg on the streets.
“Without ‘Meg's’ intervention, these children face the risk of exploitation of the worst kind or would simply not have survived,” he said.
The 65-year-old has sold his house and all the family’s possessions to embark on this journey.
While he has the blessing of wife Suzie and their three sons, Mr Coen admits the reaction among friends and colleagues has wavered between thinking he’s either crazy or very courageous.
However he’s inviting everyone to share the experience via his Facebook page and blog that will detail the highs and lows of such a monumental trek.
“Suzie will stay in Melbourne with family and will meet me at the end,” Mr Coen said of the walk that could take up to three months to complete.
“I’ve been humbled by the support I have already received and I believe my story resonates with people.
“(And) Meg’s is a great story in itself.”