When Burt Kennedy, 34, met Matthew Bell, 37, completing a walking event two years ago, the pair did not know it would be the first journey in a series of big adventures. And in Burt's case, his most grueling physical challenge yet.
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"I met him doing a 60 kilometre event with some other friends and I thought he was just crazy," Matthew said. "He ended up doing 76 kilometres. Turns out, he's a champion."
Since that day, the pair have competed in numerous sporting events together, all extending over impressive distances. Last year, they completed the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic together, a 15-hour race that takes place overnight.
"I can't swim and Matt had never kayaked," Burt said. "But Matt does a lot, looking after Jodie and the girls. Hence why if he gets an idea to do something crazy for the day, I'll do it."
Over the years Burt learnt more about Matthew's family, and met his wife Jodie, 37, who was diagnosed with a degenerative disorder, Motor Neurone Disease, five years ago. The Jewells couple have two daughters, Mia, 8, and Lucy, 7. Burt says they're the "nicest" family you'll ever meet.
"Jodie is extremely positive. She's gone from being a young teacher to being wheelchair bound, with full-time carers and Matt cares for her when he's at home. Even with everything she's been through, she still considers herself lucky to watch her daughters grow up."
Having cared for a partner through a less serious illness, Burt said he understood the toll disease can take financially. Last December, the Raworth resident came up with a plan to raise some extra funds for his friends.
When they first met, Matt and Burt realised they had coincidentally completed the "Great North Walk", which stretches 250 kilometres between Sydney and Newcastle, at the same time a few years before. Having participated in ultra-marathons since then, Burt decided he would run the distance, and run back.
"It's the biggest I have ever done. And I wouldn't have done it if I had not met Matt and Jodie. Yes, it's a lot of training. But sometimes we take for granted what we can do while we can do it. That's been a big thing for me: realising this is something I physically can do."
When he went to tell the Bells about his plan, Burt said the family showed their "selfless nature" once more.
"They asked if the money could go to FightMND. They said if the money went to them, and they came up with a cure, it wouldn't help them, as such, but it would help a lot of other people."
Burt will begin his six day, 522 kilometre journey on June 17. Donations can be made to "Team Jodie" on the EverydayHero website.
