James Fewtrell puts his best foot forward on Kokoda Trail

James Fewtrell’s legs and lungs were burning so hard that every step he took was an agony; but he was only two hours into his trek along the Kokoda Trail.

The 43-year-old well-known industry identity who looks after Ricoh’s communications made the decision to keep going and, on 26 March, completed the five-day mission that has changed his life.

“It was one of the most remarkable – if not the most remarkable – moments of my life,” Fewtrell said, adding that completing the Kokoda Trail was the most challenging thing he has ever done.

A regular participant in both kayaking and marathon races, Fewtrell took up the challenge with three friends in attempt to keep positive and resilient in what has easily become one of the toughest eras many Australians have encountered for some time.

Pictured: James Fewtrell with 103-year-old Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, Ovuru Ndiki.
“We were all talking about how 2009 was going to be a challenging year and decided we needed to do something that would be a highlight,” he said.

So far, the Kokoda experience has achieved just that. Fewtrell, whose wife is expecting a baby in August, is feeling extremely positive and accomplished.

“I hope that the way I am feeling now will always stay with me,” Fewtrell said. “Kokoda has made me very respectful of what our ancestors have done doe us and if I can maintain that feeling for the rest of my everyday life then it will make me a better person.”

Back to office life, Fewtrell is already plotting his next adventure.

“When my toenails grow back I will do something that is just as crazy,” he said.