Boot camp pays off for our Rob

Boot camp pays off for our Rob

Docklander Rob Kenna flew out to Papua New Guinea on March 28 to discover first-hand the actual circumstances which led to his dad Ted being awarded the Victoria Cross in World War II.

Rob has grown up with the knowledge of his father’s legendary feats in action against Japanese forces in 1945 but has never experienced the environment where it occurred.

For the past six months, the 62-year-old has lost 10 kg while training for the “holiday” which includes visits to remote battlefields around Wewak and a gruelling canoe trip down the Sepik River.

His personal trainer, Matt Strickland of Premium Fitness, said Rob had been training like a man half his age in preparation for the trip.

Mr Strickland said Rob’s fitness schedule included running a 10km course from Docklands around the Tan and back every second day while also working in weights and boxing sessions on alternate days.

“Just when you think you can’t push him anymore, he gets this second wind, almost a possessive determination and he says ‘Ok what’s next?’,” Mr Strickland said.

Fundraising is underway to raise money for a full-sized bronze statue of Ted Kenna VC in his home town of Hamilton, in western Victoria.

A limited edition of 90 Ted Kenna VC collages which includes a replica of a VC, citation and poem, is for sale for $550.00.

If interested, contact John Lowcock of Hamilton RSL, on 5572 4926 or e-mail John at [email protected]

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