Andy Hope knew from the age of 19 that he had a gambling problem. After 40 years, at the age of 60, and after relationship and financial disasters and the loss of self-respect, he has been clean for a year.
Now he is embarking on Andy & Scrubby’s WAG – Walk Against Gambling – a 2 year walk around Australia with his dog Scubby to raise money for gambling awareness.
His first stop from Coffs Harbour last week was Urunga. He is aiming to cover about 30 km per day for over 15,000 km and has built a trolley with a solar panel to charge his phone and small fridge. He carries a foam mattress and a tent, and of course dog food. The e scooter frame gives him some assist up hills if he keeps pushing.
“Now is a good time in my life and I have support from my partner Jen” he said. He is realistic about the hold that gambling has on society and the government, but hopes for small changes, like closing pokie venues at midnight. His motto is “If nothing changes then nothing changes.”
People can follow his progress or donate on his Facebook page andyandscrubbysbigwag