Generosity greets teen on fundraiser

Brando Yelavich is a self-professed wildboy and he's on a mission.

The 19-year-old is walking and swimming his way around New Zealand - about 6000km of coastline - to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ.

At Ototoka Beach yesterday Brando said such a journey had never been done before.

"That was part of why I wanted to do it. I thought if I completed this I'd be up there people who speak to schools and larger audiences, like Sir Edmund Hilary and the other great adventurers. I wanted to put myself in the position where I can talk to kids and inspire them to do well, to tell them you can achieve even if you have a mental illness or a learning disability.

"I want to stand up and tell them that nothing can stop you from doing well."

He started from Cape Reinga on February 1 and by last night had raised $3000 out of his $10,000 goal.

Although he had a one-man tent to sleep in he said the Waverley Lions had helped him find places to stay during the past few days.

Not content with walking the coast, he's also living off the land, armed with an air rifle and fishing line, but dinner invites from farmers were always welcome.

"I've met a lot of people along the way who have invited me home for dinner and to stay for the night and I always enjoy that, not having to worry about whether I'll catch something for dinner or not."

He said his family were really proud of him and his mission, as was his girlfriend.

"She's over the moon with what I'm doing. She's tried to visit me as much as she can but she's in her last year at school so it's tricky. In a week she's going to join me so we can walk together for a couple of days," he said.

He's had some help along the way, such as a boat ride across Hokianga Harbour and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter plucking him from a beach near Auckland, but possibly the biggest obstacle is yet to come.

"Originally I wanted to kayak across Cook Strait but I couldn't find one that was suitable, so I'll probably have to take the Interislander across."

To donate to Brando's walk visit http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/AroundTheCoast/