The first person to attempt to walk the perimeter of Tasmania finished in Salamanca today.
As part of the Earth Walk for Hope, a local man Chris Linton circumnavigated Tasmania, hoping to create new world records, and raise awareness for mental illness, and collect funds for the Black Dog Institute.
Chris was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and through this diagnosis experienced the stigma attached to mental illness.
“Following my diagnosis I was amazed to find out that one in five Australians are affected by mental illness every year and the importance of the topic has been growing,” Mr Linton said. “The World Health Organization places depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease.
Mr Linton said the 46-day journey started in Port Arthur with my 14 year old son, Kelvyn.
“We wanted to create awareness and positive change by doing something really spectacular, not just for us, but to benefit the whole community,” he said.
“We walked up the East Coast of Tasmania together, through St. Helens, Ansons Bay, and finally to Latrobe,” Mr Linton said.
“After that, I carried on the journey solo across Northern Tasmania to Smithton, down the remote West Coast along the Explorer Highway, resting in Corinna.
“I persevered through snow storms, wind and rain as I made my way down to Strahan, up to Queenstown, over the Lyell Highway and into Lachlan.
“From there I will make my way down to Huonville, Cygnet, across Peppermint Bay to Kingston, before crossing the finish line at Salamanca.”
“I am hoping the journey will make me a world record holder for the first person to walk the perimeter of Tasmania, which has encompassed around 1,400 kilometers, over 300 walking hours, and 46 days.”
Chris Linton, Earth Walk for Hope
