For me, hearing the stories behind the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was the best part of climbing it some years back. The story I loved the most was of “Lenny the Legend”. In 1932, as a nine-year old boy, Lennie Gwyther rode on horseback, alone, all the way from Leongatha in Victoria to Sydney to attend the opening of the Harbour Bridge. There and back, Lennie covered almost 2,000 kms and his journey took four long months.

Each weekday it was Lennie’s job to pick up the newspaper for his family and during the building of the bridge, he was glued to the incredible images of it taking shape, so it was his dream to witness the opening. News got out about this determined and independent little boy travelling on his horse, Ginger Mick, and local newspapers reported their progress, so that by the time they reached NSW, strangers offered him a bed for the night. When Lennie and Ginger Mick arrived in Sydney they were invited by Sydney’s Lord Mayor to join the parade, where they were cheered by the crowd.

A wonderful new show on the ABC, called “Are you Tougher than your Ancestors?” challenges today’s kids to take on the tasks of the kids from the past. Gracie (12-years old) and Mikie (10-years old) followed Lennie’s footsteps by undertaking two days of his journey.

Lennie’s elderly sister, Beryl, saw Gracie and Mikie off, giving them her blessing and these worldly words of advice:

“Be confident in what you can do.”

And

“Follow your dreams.”

Before her experience Gracie said:

“Anyone can be just as tough as Lennie as long as they try hard, put their brains and body and mind to it. I think anyone can live up to Lennie.”

And afterwards:

“I think every kid in the world should follow their dreams, just like Lenny.”

I often ask my clients for their words of wisdom to pass down to their ancestors. These same messages: to be confident, follow your dreams and try hard, keep popping up. Re-enacting Lennie’s escapade brought forth that priceless advice and 88 years on, Lenny is inspiring today’s children.