Andreas Leonakis, is raising awareness in memory of The ANZACS, Greek and Allied Forces, The Cretan People and his father Timotheus Leonakis, who fought as a young 16-year-old man in the conflict 77 years ago.
This is Andreas third walk since 2016 and he started his walk on Sunday May 20th, from The Greek Club at West End at the Paniyiri Festival making his way to the QLD, NSW border and back to Brisbane. This year he added 100km's to the walk for a total of 620km's, passing through the mountain range of Cunninghams Gap, through the wine country of Warwick, Stanthorpe and onto the turn around point of Wallangarra.
On each occasion Andreas says he is amazed he has met people "who's family members were directly involved in the Battle of Crete. This was an important historical event that helped change the course of the war and has a direct bearing on the freedoms we have today."
Andreas believes in the importance of history, "I am doing my small part to keep that alive, as well as reconnecting with my culture after 30 years in the wilderness," says Andreas.
Along the way, Andreas is raising funds for MATES4MATES who look after returned veterans and their families providing much needed support and many different areas such as PTSD, educational, and re-abilitation programmes.
After reaching a total of $2,100 last year, he is currently on track to hit his target goal of $5,000.
Andreas says that in 2021 on the Anniversary of the Battle of Crete, he will be walking the length of Crete for the 80th anniversary.
*If you would like to help Andreas achieve this goal, please contact him on PH: +61 438366319, E: [email protected] or via his FB page: Battle of Crete Walk of Remembrance.
