Scott and Meg Connelly have a father/daughter bond like no other.
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In just a few weeks the pair will undergo an epic challenge that has brought many a tough guy to tears.
Scott, 55, and Meg, 19, will trek the Kokoda Trail, a challenge they say is close to their heart and a journey they are making to raise money for Legacy, Australia and to honour a departed loved one.
For the past 10 years the duo has attended Maitland’s ANZAC Day dawn service and in 2014 they saved their pennies and travelled to Gallipoli for a once in a lifetime ANZAC experience.
“Gallopili was amazing, just being at that dawn service, it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it,” Scott said.
“We’re doing this for Meg’s grandfather, a former commander and Vietnam, World War II and Korean War veteran,” he said.
The late Arthur Quintrell, Scott’s father-in-law and a former Maitland baker, was decorated with 16 medals for his war service. Meg wears replicas of the medals every ANZAC Day.
Sadly, Arthur passed away five years ago.
“We know this trek is going to be tough, worse than tough,” Scott said.
“I’ve spoken to NRL players who have done it and they have incredible strength and a different level of fitness to us and they said it was a massive challenge.”
In preparation for the trek, Meg has been training with a personal trainer, Declan Edwards, recently walking on a treadmill for five hours with a loaded backpack.
“We’ve done the Wattagans, I walk 30km a week around Rutherford and just recently we did Tomaree headland with backpacks,” Scott said.
“I carried 10 kilograms in my pack and Meg had five.
“We want to pay homage to Arthur and all diggers and Meg wanted to raise some money for Legacy.”
People can donate at The Bradford Hotel, Rutherford, Simply Indulgence Bakery at East Maitland and East Maitland Newsagency in Lawes Street.
About $1000 has already been raised but Meg is hoping to get over the $3000 mark.
The pair is funding their own trip.
Scott said he is proud to think his daughter has instigated the challenge and wants him to be a part of it with her.
“She’s my only daughter and she’s pretty tough at just 19,” he said.
“Meg turns 20 on the last day of the trek and what a great way to celebrate.
“We’re really looking forward to this, it’s got me off the cigarettes and I’ve become a lot fitter.
“This is a 93km trek and I admit I’m a bit anxious but Meg’s fine and she just can’t wait.”
Meg and Scott leave for their adventure on August 26.