Melbourne student laps up US charity trek Benjamin Lee's walk across America. Picture: Benjamin Lee/ Facebook Source: Herald Sun AUSTRALIA'S own Forrest Gump may not have the beard but he certainly has the determination. Melbourne student Benjamin Lee has swapped part-time work in an ice cream shop for the hard, hot bitumen of the United States. The 25-year-old from Wantirna South will trudge more than 5000km through the heart of the US for charity. Starting in June in San Francisco, he has already faced the stifling desert heat of Nevada and will brave bear country in Colorado before dodging the wild weather through the nation's Tornado Alley. I've always been a big traveller and adventurer. I just figured this would be a great challenge," he said. His Canadian walking partner recently pulled out, leaving him to continue on his own. "The last week and a half has been the hardest of my life," Mr Lee said. But I've never quit anything in my life and I am not about to now. Mr Lee, who had been studying a wildlife and conservation degree, said he had been buoyed by the support of his followers on social media, where he posts video updates and pictures. He slept by the roadside most nights but said friendly locals had occasionally let him pitch his tent in their yards. Mr Lee said he was sticking to a budget of about $800 a month and hoped to arrive at his final destination of Delaware Bay by the end of December. He hopes to raise more than $10,000 for Oxfam. Mum Pauline admitted she was anxious about her son's journey but just as proud. "I've been sleeping with my mobile in my hand every night," she said. I am concerned for his safety but he is as stubborn as I am. I know he will not give up.