Toowoomba Grammar School students take part in Kokoda Pinnacle Challenge for National Breast Cancer Foundation

A group of Toowoomba teens, who participated in their most physically and mentally gruelling challenge to date, have raised thousands of dollars for a worthy cause.

Four Toowoomba teenagers have taken part in one of the most gruelling challenges to raise awareness and thousands of dollars for breast cancer research.

Toowoomba Grammar School student Matty Wise, 17, organised a team to participate in the Kokoda Pinnacle Challenge after his close family friend was sadly diagnosed with breast cancer.

Toowoomba Grammar School student Matty Wise organised his mates to form a team to tackle the gruelling Kokoda Challenge and raise money to fight breast cancer. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I have seen first-hand the devastating effects that breast cancer can have on individuals and their families,” he said.

“Breast cancer is a disease that affects millions of people around the world – it is a disease that we must continue to fight against.”

Joining the senior high school student in the race were his peers and fellow TGS students Dougal McInnerney, Ed Layton and Harry McMillan.

Over three separate weekends, the four teens completed 30, 48 and 96 kilometre treks in Brisbane, as well as on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

Toowoomba Grammar School students (from left) Dougal McInnerney, Ed Layton, Matty Wise and Harry McMillan get ready to tackle the gruelling Kokoda Challenge and raise money to fight breast cancer. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Despite the ultimate physical and mental test being their first experience of taking part in a long-distance marathon, Matty said it was worthwhile for the cause.

“(Retired American who served in the United States Navy) David Goggins did an ultramarathon for fallen soldiers and he was my main inspiration to get through it,” he said.

“This made me realise you don’t need to be a natural born athlete – you just need to be motivated to make a difference.”

All four students individually raised more than $3000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Donations can be made online at https://gofund.me/65f460fa