Hi Shephard, I'm actually doing that trek with you along with my son. Yes I am the mother! I appreciate your concern and I can assure you I asked both the travel agency and the tour operator before booking if a) everyone on the tour was aware of my son's age and that he would be able to handle the trek. We recently did a trek in South Africa albeit not the Kokoda and not 9 days – however he managed better than all of us. I understand the enormity of this challenge as does he (as best as a 5 year old can). When I booked this tour I stressed that I would not put him through this if there was any concern of him not making the trek.

He has been training – he's has had his shots and he also understands that he is one heck of a lucky child to have this opportunity. When we did South Africa he actually forged very strong friendships with the older people on the tour – some of which were over 70 year old. I have actually spoken to an older person doing this trek with us (he is over 70) and he assured me he was all for it and fully supportive of it. My son – after having learnt about the war from Peter Fitsimmons book – now wants to be in the Army.

I appreciate your concerns but I wish you had expressed them to the travel agency as I'm a little disappointed that I am finding out about your concerns so close to the trek – now less than 30 days, as like I said above I did stress that I would only do the walk if everyone in our group was supportive.