Two Te Awamutu mates are in the final stretch of preparing for their massive fundraising event this weekend.
Ollie Ward and Gerard Dorssers are walking around Lake Ngāroto for 24 hours to raise money for two local families.
The pair has been training for the last few months, gaining blisters, fitness and community support as they clock up the kilometres.
They will set off at 8am on Saturday, looping around the lake 17 times before finishing the same time the next day.
It will be about 102km of non-stop walking, with supporters sponsoring the men for the extreme feat.
Gerard says they have been blown away by the money raised so far.
"We've had to move the fundraising goal post," he says.
"We were hoping to raise $6000 but so far we're heading towards $7500.
"We believe that if the community continues to get behind us, we'll hit $10,000 before the end of the weekend," he says.
The men have the support of 21 major sponsors so far, who have given money, clothing and shoes.
One sponsor has requested the pair walk around the lake in their underwear — which Ollie admits he's looking forward to.
"I'm definitely looking forward to this lap due to how free we will feel," Ollie says.
"I think I might pick Gerard some undies to wear on the day."
The men are fundraising for the families of 50-year-old Steve West, who has motor neuron disease, and 11-year-old Dayton Harding, who needs stem cell treatment to combat his autoimmune disease.
The men are hoping to attract a crowd of supporters at Lake Ngāroto over the weekend, with the public invited to join in on a loop around the lake on Saturday at 10am.
To make a donation, get in touch with Gerard on 027 505 4008 or Ollie on 027 290 9268 or donate to the bank account 12-3134-0093023-04.
For more information visit Gerard and Ollie's 24 hour Walkathon on Facebook.
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