Emotional finish to Holt Bolt
Pictured: Richard Holt with friends, family and supporters at journey's end in Maryborough.
Richard Holt says he was hit by a “wave of emotion” when finishing his fundraising Bolt to Borough at the weekend.
The Ocean View resident started his 264km walk from Aspley Special School and after eight days reached Anzac Park in Maryborough.
Waiting on Sunday afternoon was his support team, friends and family at the end of a quest to raise $20,000 for Richard’s Bolting Ahead charity.
A Go Fund Me page is open and an online auction for a signed Brisbane Broncos shirt.
Richard launched the charity in April after almost a decade working with young people of all abilities and those disengaged from school.
“We had a dream and that dream became a reality,” Richard said on Facebook, “to this incredible community, to my amazing team, I salute you.
“Your motivation got me through the tough times. A huge thank you again to our Sponsors tagged below and to all those who spread the word and donated on gofundme.
“When I crossed the Mary River this afternoon a wave of emotion came over me. This has been an adventure like no other.”
Richard paid tribute to his support team saying he had an “overwhelming feeling of comfort knowing they were there”.
“This is what Bolting Ahead will provide for the young people of Bolting Ahead and The Holt Bolt,” he said.
“It will guide them on a road to their chosen destination while providing the necessary support to ensure success.
“As a community we have the strength to overcome any obstacle.”
Bolting Ahead aims to create a “truly inclusive society, that defies the odds and breaks down barriers for young people aged 15-25”.
It works with young people who may be disengaged from traditional education, live with disability, affected by domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse.
Holt Bolt started in 2013 with mud runs at Bald Hills. By 2014-15, Holt Bolt had gyms and Holt Bolt kids, inflatable obstacle courses they took to schools.
Richard now has six centres which are at Caboolture, Clontarf, Chermside, Aspley, Holland Park and Hervey Bay. He is keen to expand between Hervey Bay and Caboolture.