Perth man Jacob French, 21, is seven months into his journey to the harbour city – an ambitious quest to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Mr French left Perth in July last year and hopes to reach Sydney within the next two months. He has already raised more than $75,000.

“I was hoping to be done by Christmas, but it has taken a little longer than I thought it would – there’s been lots of people coming out to say hello and take photos and that sort of thing,” he said.

Yesterday as Mr French arrived under Ballarat’s historic Arch of Victory, a number of families and more than a few closet Star Wars fans stopped in to donate money. The storm trooper carries a trolley with him which includes his trusty swag – his bed for the past seven months.

“Pushing the trolley up the Adelaide Hills was tough, but apart from that it’s all been pretty good,” he said.

“I’ve been through six pairs of runners but the last few pairs have been donated.”

As for why he’s doing it?

“I got the Forrest Gump idea stuck in my head, so I thought: I can do that,” he said.

“I didn’t want to waste the effort, I wanted to help people out and raise money for Starlight, so I thought what would be the best way to get the most attention.”

To donate to Mr French’s cause, visit www.everydayhero.com.au/troopertr ek.