The Gunnedah woman will tackle a 96-kilometre trek over nine days to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. She is one of 14 woman taking on the Kokoda Chicks Challenge from October 16-24.

She has already surpassed her financial goal of $2000, raising more than $3000 with the support of residents and fellow staff  at Mackellar Care Services.

“I didn’t expect to do so well,” she said.

“My aim was just to reach the goal but to get past it is quite good.”

As her departure date grows closer, Ms Hatch is upping the ante in her training, increasing the weight in her backpack, the distance and angles of inclines and declines. This will be the second time the local has tackled the Kokoda Trail.

“It’s coming up quickly now,” she said.

“I’m a bit excited and also nervous at the same time as to what to expect this time around, but I’m looking forward to when it kicks off.”

To support Ms Hatch in her fundraising for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, visit https://kokodachicksoctober2017.everydayhero.com/au/casey-s-kokoda-trek-for-nbcf#

For updates on the Kokoda Chick’s Challenge in October, visit https://www.facebook.com/KokodaSpirit/

RELATED STORY: Casey to take on Kokoda