Teen cousins prepare to step out in memory of grandpa

Jessica Benton
TWO Drysdale teenagers plan to swap the classroom for the open road when they attempt to walk across the border in the name of charity.
Cousins Blaise White and Zac Dodds will trek over 400 kilometres from their hometown to Tocumwal, New South Wales, next year in memory of their grandfather, Alex ‘Bumper’ Dodds.
Blaise said he and Zac decided to take to the road after their grandfather was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year.
“We thought a walk would raise awareness and money for cancer research because a lot of people will see us on the journey,” he said.
“My wish was to do it while Bumper was still alive but he passed away early last month. We want to do it in honour of him and everyone else who has had to suffer through cancer.
The energetic pair aimed to raise $10,000.
“But it would be great to raise more,” Blaise said.
The 15-year-old said the pair would set off on their journey during the September school holidays next year. They plan to reach Tocumwal in 11 days, travelling 40km a day.
The boys will travel with a support group including family members.
Blaise asked anyone willing to donate money to their epic walk to email AlexDoddsWalk4aCure@hotmail.com or phone Kerryn White on 0407 743 376.