Trekking from Canada to Mexico for Children's Cancer Foundation

He was fifteen when his family received the terrible news: his aunt, who was like a "second mother" to him, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She died in 2010.

Now, Mr Prasatt Arumugam is helping people with similar experiences.

"With some time and distance, I realised that I could do something for those suffering from cancer like she did - maybe not in a big way, but in whatever way I could," said Mr Prasatt.

In July, the 25-year-old will be the first Singaporean to attempt to complete the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

The PCT is a 4,280km long-distance hiking trail that cuts through three states in the US.

It was featured in the 2014 film Wild, which starred Reese Witherspoon.

Reese Witherspoon in the 2014 movie Wild, based on the book Wild: From Lost To Found On The Pacific Crest Trail. PHOTO: 20TH CENTURY FOX

For every mile that he hikes, Mr Prasatt​ hopes to raise awareness and funds for children with cancer.

In January, he set up Trekinvicta, a social initiative that aims to raise $26,660 for the Children's Cancer Foundation (CCF).

He is not alone in his efforts. Last year, a total of 77 fund-raising events were held for the CCF. Fourteen of these were organised by individuals.

Trekinvicta has raised $20,000 for the CCF so far. These include donations made on Trekinvicta's website and on CCF's donation webpage.

Mr Prasatt​, a tutor at an enrichment centre, said: "I felt that a hike like this would parallel the children's own long road to recovery, even though there is no direct connection.

"A trekker would be done with the trail in about five months, but the battles faced by these children continue for much longer," he told The New Paper.

He also volunteers with the CCF at National University Hospital. As a play personnel, he interacts with children undergoing treatment and consultation.

Mr Prasatt​ is excited about the journey.

YOSEMITE

His first experience of the PCT was at Yosemite National Park, a landmark along the trail.

A former undergraduate at the National University of Singapore, he visited the park during his 2013 student exchange at Yale University.

To prepare for the trail, Mr Prasatt​ climbs flights of stairs for at least two hours every day, with trekking poles in hand.

When TNP interviewed him, he had just finished his routine at a block of flats in Tiong Bahru that has 29 flights of stairs.

He has equipment ready for the long journey. These include trekking poles, a tent, one set of hiking clothes and thermal wear, a water filter and simple food such as oatmeal.

He is also taking with him a journal, a camera, a satellite messenger to connect with his loved ones, and a small raccoon plush toy, "AK Junior", which will be his only companion on the trip.

The raccoon plush toy he will take on the trip. PHOTO COURTESY OF PRASATT ARUMUGAM

The journey is expected to cost Mr Prasatt​ $12,000 out from his own pocket.

He has approached several companies for potential sponsorships. However, he is not seeking help from individual sponsors.

"It shouldn't be a case where people are subsidising something that I would probably have done on my own," he said.

"I would be lying if I denied that there is an element of fear. It's important to have that healthy level of fear because nature is a bigger thing than humans often give her credit for. What's more important is how you deal with your fear."

Although Mr Prasatt​'s family is worried, they support his ambitions, said his mother, Madam Amaravathi Appavoo, 57, a housewife.

"We'll definitely miss him a lot, but it's what he thinks he needs to do," said Madam Appavoo.

"It is inspiring to learn that Prasatt has chosen to conquer one of the longest trails in the world," said Ms Neo Lay Tin, executive director of the CCF.

When he returns, Mr Prasatt​ hopes to teach English Literature in a secondary school.

Reflecting on his hopes for the journey and the children, he cited a quote from his favourite poem 'Invictus', which inspired the name of Trekinvicta.

He said: "I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul."