James and Kelly off to trek Kokoda

Kelly Drover of Terrigal has been volunteering for Feel the Magic since 2016, after losing her 33-year-old husband in 2013 to cardiac arrest.

Their son James was only two at the time of his father’s sudden and unexpected death and has also become involved in fundraising activities over the years.

And now the mother and son are planning their biggest challenge yet as they head out in September to tackle the Kokoda Trek.

“James was only two when I lost my husband Matthew,” Drover said.

“Sadly, one in 20 Aussie kids experience the death of their mum or dad before they turn 18.

“To put this into perspective, there is most likely a child grieving the loss of a parent in every class at school.

“In addition to this, children also experience sibling and legal guardian loss.

“Studies also show that unresolved childhood grief increases the risk of suicide by six times.

“Feel the Magic is an Australian charity providing early intervention grief education programs for kids aged seven to 18 who are experiencing pain and isolation due to the death of a parent, guardian, or sibling.

“Their aim is to create a community where grieving kids and their families feel supported, empowered, and can begin to move forward with their lives.

“I trekked Kokoda in 2017 for Feel the Magic, and along with other fundraising endeavours James and I have undertaken, together we have raised $15,047 for the charity.”

In September Driver and James, 14, will fly out to Papua New Guinea to trek Kokoda.

“James will be giving up his school holidays and with me by his side will be completing an eight-day historical trek, trekking 124km, climbing 6,576m and descending 5,990m,” Drover said.

“We want to raise money to help the camps to continue and allow other grieving children to receive the support that James has.

“Our minimum goal is $20,000 but we’d love to raise a lot more than that so we could fund a few extra camps and support even more children on their grief journey.”

James was recently a finalist in the Central Coast Youth Awards for the Community Service and Activity Category recognising his fundraising activities, beginning when he was eight and summited Mount Kosciusko to raise $4,270 for Feel the Magic.

He has since completed numerous fundraising activities for Feel the Magic and other charities including Kids Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis Australia and Trek for Vets.

He also speaks at public events to promote Feel the Magic.

To donate to the Kokoda trek fundraiser go to kelly-and-james-kokoda-trek-adventure.raiselysite.com/ and follow the mother and son on Facebook and Instagram (search James and Kelly).