Vale participated in the Upstream Challenge on Saturday which is an annual 50km run/walk from Docklands to Donvale. Finishing the walk in 9 hours and 40 minutes Vale said it was one of the most challenging things he has ever done.
“My feet are fairly blistered and sore but I got there. 50km is a very long way and it was as much of a mental challenge as it was physical but it was all for a fantastic cause and a very rewarding experience once it was all over,” Vale told kangaroos.com.au.
Vale walked alongside Gordon Hoen, Chairman of the Upstream Foundation and a passionate North Melbourne supporter.
“Gordon contributes so much to our football club as a part of our exclusive Match Committee group so it was a great opportunity to support him and the Upstream Foundation.”
“He had to drag me along for the last few kilometres, this was his eighth walk and his endurance is incredible especially at 64-years of age. He’s been on the last two Utah trips so that must be his secret, the high-altitude training has done him well.”
Vale together with Gordon Hoen and fellow Kangaroos supporters Harm Hoen and Wayne Darrington raised over $5k for the Upstream Foundation which supports Camp Quality, Disability Sport & Recreation and the Entrust Foundation.
The Foundation is a not for profit organisation sponsored by Upstream Print Solutions which covers all event costs so the monies raised go directly to the beneficiaries in need. Since the walk began back in 2005, more than $1 million has been raised.
After conquering the massive walk, Vale was thankful to put up his feet and recuperate after a painful weekend.
“A lot of people are doing Movember right now and are proud to show off photos of their progress, but my wife Sam didn’t think it was a great idea to show off any pictures of my battered feet!”
