Orange-based officer Phil Mounce-Stephens is undertaking 161 laps of the Mount over a 12-month period as a fundraiser for Police Legacy which, in turn, provides services to police legatees and members of the wider police family across the state.
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Police Legacy enhances the lives of about 1000 police legatees while also supporting police officers transitioning from successful careers with the NSW Police Force and facing a broad range of challenges when returning to civilian life through its BACKUP For Life program.
Mr Mounce-Stephens said the Police Association did invaluable work in the Central West and he wanted to do something to support their work here.
He set up the fundraiser and has already done about 38 laps of the Mount. By the time he finishes he will have walked about 1000 kilometres - the distance of the Bathurst 1000.
I see this challenge - with so much constant uphill battle - as a metaphor for the challenges faced by those left behind by deceased NSW police officers.
- Orange police officer Phil Mounce-Stephens
Mr Mounce-Stephens was last week joined on the Mount by NSW Police Association chairman Detective Superintendent Gary Merryweather and community support officer Leisa Doherty for two laps of the iconic circuit.
Also with him was colleague Ben Williams, also from Orange, who said he wanted to show support his support for the association.
Mr Mounce-Stephens said he got the idea to walk the Mount after local Bathurst running legend, Steven Paterson, completed the 161 laps, on foot, over four years.
"Inspired by this daring feat, and with his blessing, I am now attempting to complete the 161 laps, on foot, in one year," he said.
"This will see me climb at total of 28 kilometres with some sections of the track having gradients at 16 per cent. In order to complete this task, I will need to complete a minimum of three laps per week. I have already fallen behind my target, however, this will not stop me.
"I see this challenge - with so much constant uphill battle - as a metaphor for the challenges faced by those left behind by deceased NSW police officers.
"I also strongly believe the benefits of physical activity have a huge positive impact on one's mental state. With this in mind, I have decided to use my personal challenge as an effort to raise funds for the NSW Police Legacy, who support both ideals."
Mr Mounce-Stephens said he also plans to do a 24-hour walk around the Mount in the near future as part of his 161-lap goal.
Funds raised from the walk will go to NSW Police Legacy so they can continue to conduct their invaluable service of supporting police legatees.
Anyone wanting to support the project and donate to the Police Association can do so at www.lapsforlegacy.gofundraise.com.au.
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