Paul Watson, former owner of Turn the Page bookshop in Cowes is heading off on the Bloody Long Walk this week.

The walk is organised by the Mito Foundation, to raise funds and awareness for research and to support those affected by mitochondrial disease (mito).

Paul’s wife Lois suffers from the disease.

The walk on Sunday, October 15 on the Mornington Peninsula covers 35 km, starting at Point Nepean National Park and finishing at the marina in Martha Cove.

“That’s 46,200 steps,” said Paul, who also completed the walk in 2022.

“I’ll cross the finish line exhausted and blistered, but that’s nothing compared to what people with mitochondrial disease go through every day of their lives.

“Mito robs the body’s cells of energy, causing multiple organ dysfunction or failure. It can affect anyone at any age.”

The Australian Test Cricket Captain Pat Cummins is an ambassador for the Mito Foundation and has lost two members of his extended family to mito in recent years.

“I hope that as an Ambassador with the Mito Foundation, I can raise awareness and help find a cure for the many sufferers of this devastating disease,” Cummins said.

Paul hopes lacing up his walking shoes will inspire others to support the cause.

Last year he raised over $1000 for the Mito Foundation and wants to do the same again this year.

“Please sponsor my walk to fund research into desperately needed treatments and cures for this devastating disease,” Paul said.

“Every dollar will make a difference and with your support, I know I can do it.”

Donate at: event.bloodylongwalk.com.au/fundraisers/paulwatson