Twenty-year-old Leon Thompson left for Papua New Guinea on Monday to walk the 96km trail in eight days.

As a distant descendent of a World War II soldier who died on the Kokoda Trail, Mr Thompson said the trip was all the more significant for him, and that he hoped to visit the site of his relative’s final resting place.

An electrical apprentice, Mr Thompson won the ticket to the trek through his work, Tyco Water. He will join other members of the water industry on the trail – all of whom will be raising money for charity Water Aid, which provides fresh drinking water to third world countries throughout the world.

Mr Thompson said he believed showing initiative was what set him apart from the other competitors; he is a full-time shift worker who also studies 16 hours a week at TAFE.

Through sponsorship, Mr Thompson and Tyco Water are donating to Hunter Water, which hopes to reach its goal of $40,000 for Water Aid – $28,000 of which has already been raised.

Mr Thompson said he felt strongly for the cause because he believed water was one of the most basic necessities in life.

“It’s a pretty big issue all over the world, even in Australia during the past few years,” he said. “It’s good that people are starting to take more notice now.”

Backing Mr Thompson are some very proud family and friends.

“They’ve been really supportive,” he said. “My workmates especially are really looking forward to seeing all the photos.”

To prepare for the expedition, Mr Thompson committed himself to at least five training sessions per week and often hiked along Cabbage Tree Road in Grose Vale to the Grose River.

“This is probably the fittest I’ve ever been,” he said.

Growing up in the district, Mr Thompson said he has always loved the outdoors, especially dirt bike riding, fishing and spending time in the bushland of Wheeney Creek and Upper Colo.

The biggest challenge for him so far has been trying to reduce his food intake to prepare for the rationing system on the trail. Like any other 20-year old, he admits he is usually a big eater.

Mr Thompson told The Gazette he felt ready for the challenge.

“I’m just really looking forward to it,” he said.

“I’m still quite nervous but I know I’ve done a lot of training so I’ve given myself a pretty good chance.”