Allan Fitzgerald pushes Lucas around as part of his 50 kilometre challenge in 2025.
Lucas Wallace is incredible, and he’s about to take on another big challenge as if it’s an average Tuesday.
Living with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, Lucas has never been one to let life get in the way of his plans and has made the decision to walk alongside “uncle” Allan Fitzgerald for his Old Walk for Young challenge in October to raise money and awareness for men’s mental health.
The one problem? He’s just gotten out of major surgery.
Anyone who knows Lucas knows this is just another hurdle the tenacious teen will take in stride.
Recently travelling up to Sydney in April to undergo serious surgery on his legs for a Single Event Multilevel Surgery, Lucas has been in diligent recovery and physiotherapy as he adapts to a new way of living.
Older brother, Blake Wallace joined Allan on his trek last year, and will return alongside his younger brother, who plans to be on his feet for the walk.
The Times spoke to Allan about his inspiration and drive to start the Old Walk for Young Challenge. His story can be found in The Twin Town Times.
Lucas’s mum, Phyllis says she couldn’t be prouder of both of her sons.
“[Lucas] is unable to walk at the moment, but his goal is to be able to walk in October and do a bit of the walk with his uncle and getting into Young,” she says.
Although this isn’t the first time Lucas has chosen to stick to his uncle during a challenge in his wheelchair, this year marks the first time he will be an official participant. In addition, he’s decided he will be doing it upright, walking and with a vest on.
Allan’s Old Walk for Young Challenge is a take on the Lift the Load Challenge, where participants walk 50 kilometres throughout October wearing a 10-kilogram weighted vest. The vest symbolises the invisible load felt by many every day. The physical element serves as a reminder that no one deserves to carry such a burden alone.
Lucas’s vest will be modified to approximately four kilograms to allow him to participate in the event.
“[We’ve got] our fingers crossed that he’s up and walking by then, and is able to do the walk with his uncle,” says Phyllis.
Each day, Lucas is doing physio to strengthen his legs and get him used to the motion of standing and walking once more, but ever the go getter, he has already gotten used to the weight of the vest, often wearing it in his chair for a period of time every so often to get comfortable with it.
“We’re talking baby steps at the moment, but we’ll definitely be practicing once he’s up by walking around the farm and getting used to walking with the vest on,” says Phyllis.
Seeing both her boys participate in such an important challenge has been an incredible experience not only for Phyllis, but for the community to start the hard conversations.
“[Blake] walked 20 kilometres a day to achieve his goal last year, and Lucas got to watch him do that,” she says.
“He saw it and thought, ‘I’m going to do it too’.”
To do it beside their beloved uncle has been a huge support and boost for Lucas’ determination to walk the track.
“[Allan] doesn’t let Lucas miss out on anything, and it’s awesome watching Lucas actively get involved and going, ‘I’m doing this, I’m helping raise money’,” says Phyllis.
“That’s just the type of kid he is, he races around football carnivals in his wheelchair to collect cans, and when he gets the money, he donates it to his school. Instead of spending the money on himself, he gives it back to others.
“Both of my boys are always wanting to give back to those that don’t have as much as what we do or are struggling with different ways.”
Phyllis says Allan has always been there for them during some of life’s toughest moments, and she’s proud of both his drive and passion for providing a space for men’s mental health.
“It’s an amazing experience for everyone involved and it helps you realise how many people are out there that are struggling or need help,” she says.
“It’s about reaching out to your mates and asking if they are okay.”
The message, Phyllis says, is a simple but powerful one: we walk, so they know they can keep walking.
In an online post, Phyllis said the challenge served as an important reminder for men to have the tough conversations.
“As a mum raising boys, men’s mental health is something that sits close to my heart,” she wrote.
“We often talk about being strong, but true strength is asking for help, checking in on your mates, and knowing it’s okay to not be okay.
“Tomorrow needs you. Because your story isn’t over. Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do is keep going.”
Allan and Lucas’s walk follow’s local Sam Longmore’s Big Wheel for rural mental health from Corowa to Yass (full story in the Yass Valley Times).
The Yass Valley is lucky to have such important representatives taking on the challenge and spreading hope.
More information on the walk will be available closer to the event in October.
Elizabeth Kovacs
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