Spiderman Takes a Hike in Vietnam

As our Brisbane heroes were completing their 40km challenge, an inspired action hero was tackling the same challenge on the other side of the world.

Justin Gisz from team Gobi Girls and the Gisz Boys who are currently third on the fundraising leader board completed the 40km challenge in his home town of Vietnam, on a treadmill and dressed in a Spiderman costume.

Walking alone and with his wife as his support crew, Justin managed to complete the hike in a little over six hours and even managed to run the final 10km.

Hiking in support of his nephew Charlie, Justin and the team have so far raised over $14k for local children with autism. From a group of five people, this is an amazing result and will significantly contribute to helping AEIOU provide its life-changing program.

“It is a privilege to have had an opportunity to contribute in a small way. 

“The Foundation has certainly helped young Charlie a hell of a lot, and I have absolutely no doubt that the same applies to many other kids”, Justin said.

Justin and his team included Charlie’s mum Emily; Charlie’s Grand Dad Peter and Emily’s friends Sue, Katrina and Pam.

Emily, Katrina and Sue met when Emily and her family were living in Mongolia and have remained close friends. Charlie was born in Mongolia and lived there until he was diagnosed with autism when the family began their search for better services for Charlie.

“Charlie loved camping in the Mongolian countryside and going for long walks up mountains on the outskirts of UB (Ulan Bator)”, Emily said.

Their search ultimately led the family to AEIOU and now Charlie attends our Nathan Centre where he has been flourishing for the last two years.

“The therapy and support that Charlie has received during his early intervention at AEIOU has been incredibly successful and is likely to result in Charlie attending prep in a mainstream primary school in 2015”, Emily said.

Justin and the team at Gobi Girls and the Gisz Boys are now fully recovered and already have their sights set on Take a Hike 2015 where their incredible efforts will create brighter futures for children with autism.