Father and Son Take on Kokoda Trail for Type 1 Diabetes Awareness in Honor of Daughter

In a heartwarming endeavor to support, connect, and create awareness about Type 1 diabetes, a Geelong-based father and son duo are braving the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea.

Leif McCaughley and his son Leo embarked on this iconic trek on Wednesday, August 8, 2023, for a very personal cause. They are dedicating their journey to Leif's daughter and Leo's sister, Lila, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 9 years ago.

The trek is part of a broader effort by the McCaughleys to inspire not only their daughter but others living with Type 1 diabetes. "In August 2023, I am conquering the Kokoda Trail to show my daughter and others that anything is possible," said Leif, founder of the Type 1 Foundation.

After Lila's diagnosis, the McCaughleys started the Type 1 Foundation to support, connect, and spread awareness about Type 1 diabetes in the wider community. The Kokoda Trail trek is the most recent and ambitious initiative in their ongoing campaign to make a positive difference.

Leif's sentiments reveal the heart of their mission, focusing not only on the physical challenge of the trek but the message it sends. The journey symbolises perseverance, hope, and the idea that obstacles can be overcome with determination and love.

Leo, who celebrates his 15th birthday during the trek, is also keen to demonstrate support for his sister and help raise money for the foundation. The familial bond shared between father and son adds an extra layer of significance to their trek, making it an inspiring story of courage and unity.

The Kokoda Trail, a grueling and historically significant pathway, will be the backdrop for this 10-day trek, ending on Friday, August 18. It's not only a test of physical endurance but a demonstration of the human spirit and the McCaughleys' commitment to a cause that resonates deeply with them.

You can check the Trek for Type 1 event by clicking here, or consider donating to Leif's fudraising page and supporting this important cause. 

The funds raised will be directed towards the foundation's mission to assist families dealing with Type 1 diabetes. The McCaughleys' hike stands as an emblem of the foundation's values, marking a significant stride in increasing awareness and empathy for those living with Type 1 diabetes.

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