BY DAKOTA TAIT
Anglican Care and Samaritans staff are supporting the efforts of a 102-year-old resident with an organisation-wide mufti day and fundraising drive on Friday.
Bert Le-Merton, a World War II veteran, has walked more than 360 kilometres and raised over $110,000 as part of the Soldier On organisation's efforts in raising awareness and preventing veteran suicide.
Bert spent five and a half years as part of the Australian Infantry Force, serving in North Africa and the Pacific Theatre with the 2/13th Battalion, 9th Division.
Anglican Care Marketing Manager Kylie Jacques said Bert is "full of positivity" and that they were proud to be following in his footsteps.
"To meet Bert is one of life's privileges," Ms Jacques said. "He's just the most amazing, beautiful gentleman, and he's been through so much in his life and has so many amazing stories to tell."
Bert said it was important to lend a helping hand to those former personnel who were struggling to get back into the swing of civilian life.
"My longevity, I put it down to keeping on walking around the block," Mr Le-Merton said.
"Look at it in this life, mate, if you don't use them, you lose them."
Bert walked 96 kilometres in March alone, the length of the Kokoda trail - team members at Anglican Care’s C A Brown Lodge at Booragul are expected to match Bert's efforts.
Ms Jacques said Bert's commitment is fantastic motivation.
"He is such an inspirational man and beyond the fantastic work he is doing for the Soldier On organisation, at the age of 102 he is an amazing example of positive and healthy ageing," Ms Jacques said.
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| Bert and Anglican Care staff member Irene Balkema. |