"Yes, again," the former Australian head of systems developer Eidosmedia says.

Lodovico de Briganti is referring to his ninth annual Smith Family Challenge charity event, for which he's signed up from March 11-13.

The two days and 100 km of biking, hiking and kayaking is an epic challenge for children in need. De Briganti says the annual fundraising event has contributed more than $7 million to the charity's Learning for Life programme since it started in 2008.

"This year, particular focus for those who have to rely on remote learning," he says. "Trying to keep up to speed with your peers without updated technology is proving to be a major challenge during these COVID times."

De Briganti's team 'Blood & Bone' - which has both a vascular and orthopaedic surgeon - has expanded this year to include its first female members. Location is Sussex Inlet, on the stunning NSW South Coast. He's inviting tax-deductable donations to https://www.thesmithfamilychallenge.com.au/s/26/236/e