The World War One Queenslander Challenge was officially launched today.

Participants walk 100 kilometres each over a total of 18 treks to raise money for defence force personnel.

Caitlin Puplett reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Private Frank Edmund Clark of the 15th Australian Infantry Battalion was killed on the 1st of Feburary 1917 when the French tunnel he was in was destroyed by German forces.

His son, 97-year-old Merv, who served in the Second World War today honoured his memory at the launch of the challenge.

Merv Clark OAM: “I think it’s a very wonderful idea and having been the chairman of plenty of Anzac Days in Brisbane, you know, I know only too well, it’s sort of in my blood.”

The first of the 18 treks involves participants walking from Woodford to The Gap.

Horses and representatives from the 2nd/14th Queensland Mounted Infantry Historical Troop are taking part along with RSL club members and various school students.

Padua College student and trek participant: “What we are about to do will be nothing compared to what they have lived through or anything, it’s really just a way to show our respects.”

Almost seven thousand etched bricks will be carried by participants.

Bearing the names of the fallen, the bricks will be used to build a new memorial at Walton Street Bridge in The Gap. The wall will be unveiled on Remembrance Day in 2018, marking 100 years since the end of World War One.

Funds raised from entry fees will go to Mates4Mates, a charity supporting injured, ill and wounded current and ex-serving defence personnel.

Caitlin Puplett, QUT News.