They say that stormtroopers are very dedicated to their causes and such is the case of one particular warrior who is trekking across Australia to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation (the Aussie equivalent of the Make a Wish Foundation). And doing so in full armor, which has been at times an exercise in true willpower to continue on in some of the conditions that he’s had to endure, but according to the 21 year old sales associate, the people have made it all the worth while.
Imagine being in the most treacherous places that Australia has to offer, 102 degree heat, dressed in a costume that is already too hot to walk in, bitten by bugs, sometimes alone when cellphone service was non-existent. That is the 3100 mile route from Perth to Sydney, Jacob French’s destination. But despite all the difficulties inherent in what he’s attempting, his dedication to finishing his trek is admirable indeed.
French’s deed is certainly a good reflection on the 501st Legion, for which he is a member. You’ve probably heard of them. They are serious roleplaying cosplayers that have very realistic Star Wars uniforms and costumes. They usually appear at charity events as well as other public celebrations such as Disney’s Star Wars Weekends. But I bet there hasn’t been any that have tried this.
His trek, which he’s only completed half of so far, is filled with pitfalls, but he keeps a good attitude, because it’s the people who keep him going. He says he’s met a ton of folk and have raised over A$45,000 from their donations as he meets and greets those that come over to him. He always has a wave for those passing by and he is glad to take pictures. After all, it’s not often you get to pose with a stormtrooper.
When the pain of the trip gets to him and he feels all alone while walking through barren parts of the country where very little people live and there is no phone service, he says that he gets kind of a dose of doubt and wonders why he would take on such a challenge. Since a walkabout is good for the soul, I don’t think he would be human if he didn’t doubt the wisdom of what he’s attempting at least sometimes and do a bit of self-evaluation, but he keeps going and to that, we say good on ya, mate. We’ll be cheering for you every step of the way.
