A RAWDON firefighter has raised over £4,000 for charity after completing a solo 1003 km trek across Western Australia.

Adrian Toye, 51, of Ilkley, flew to Australia on September 21 to embark on the trek along the Bibbulmun Track, which stretches just over 1000 km between Kalamunda in the Eastern Perth hills to Albany on the south coast of Western Australia.

He was supposed to be completing the trek with a Perth-based friend, but ended up going solo after his friend had to pull out due to a new job.

With his training for the trek mainly completed on a tread mill at Rawdon Fire Station due to his shifts, he decided to use the adventure to raise awareness and funds for The Fire Fighters Charity and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Adrian said: “The first seven days were a complete shock to the system. I was walking approximately 30km a day and carrying way too much weight in my pack (26kg).

“This, along with walking on sandy beaches and undulating coastal headlands, was a testing time and my shoulders, back and glutes took the brunt of it.

“Only when I was able to reduce my pack weight by 3.5kgs (removing equipment I could do without, my tent being one!) did I begin to feel like I could comfortably complete the remainder of the trek.

“My walking boots were held together with duck tape for the last few days. They had literally fallen apart after their mammoth walk.

“The diversity of the regions I visited was absolutely mesmerising. I encountered a vast array of flora and fauna and wildlife including monitor lizards, kangaroos, wallabies, feral cats, porcupines, emus, quokkas, cockatoos and owls.

“When I started the walk, the thought of over 40 days continuous walking made me feel a little unnerved, but having got into a rhythm and having met and camped with so many interesting people it was a shock when I found myself having only a few days left to walk. Where had the time gone?

“The last few days were very difficult as I found myself in a very hilly and rocky landscape. This, together with the increased temperature (into the 30’s on some days), made the final push tough going and the sight of the finish, along with a small welcome party, was most welcome indeed.”

Adrian was met at the finish by the local Kalamunda fire fighters (arranged by his friend) who came along in their engine to greet him and subsequently fed and watered him at their station.

Adrian added: “I completed the non-stop challenge in 42 days and have managed to raise over £4,400 for the two charities.

“My Virgin Giving Money page is open until December 23rd any donations would be gratefully received, thank you.”

Sponsor Adrian by visiting:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AdrianToye