Mr Betteridge, 64, is raising funds for Austin Health and Gift of Life, after he successfully received a liver transplant in July 2020.

Diagnosed with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis about 20 years ago, Mr Betteridge's conditioned worsened in recent years, until a transplant was required to ensure he could live a healthy life.

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"All of the medical professionals were so fantastic when I had my transplant that I felt like I had to give back," Mr Betteridge said.

During the coming weeks, Mr Betteridge, supported by his family and friends, will be participating in the Gift of Life's DonateLife Walk and Austin Health's 1000 Minute Challenge.

For the fifteenth consecutive year, Gift of Life will hold its fundraising walk, with participants encouraged to engage with a new format and share photos and videos on social media.

Mr Betteridge will walk around Lake Neangar on February 22 and Lake Weeroona on February 23 in support of the campaign.

"I will be walking around Lake Neangar to honour my family and friends that supported me during my journey and the wonderful teams both in Bendigo and Melbourne, without whom I would not be here now.

"The Lake Weeroona walk will honour my donor and their family because these heroes gave me life."

Throughout March, Mr Betteridge aims to undertake an average of 32 minutes of physical activity per day to fundraise for the 1000 Minute Challenge.

"I'm planning to walk, go to the gym and do lots of gardening in March to reach the daily target for the 1000 Minute Challenge," he said.

The federal government has invested in initiatives aimed at encouraging more Australians to say "yes" to organ and tissue donation by offering up to $450,000 in grants for community-based initiatives.

Minister responsible for the Organ and Tissue Authority Mark Coulton said the grants offer unique opportunities for local groups to help improve the chances of Australians receiving the organ or tissue they need.

"Increasing awareness about organ and tissue donation and encouraging families to talk about donation and registration is vital to getting more people to say "yes" to donation," Mr Coulton said.

Applications for these grant opportunities close at 5pm on Sunday, March 7 at donatelife.gov.au/grants

To donate to Mr Betteridge's fundraising efforts, visit 1000minutechallenge.org.au/richard-betteridge

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