Karen Calcutt

Karen

A tribute for Everyone

This October, I’m taking on a challenge that means so much more to me than simply walking 40km. I’m walking for One Foot Forward — but I’m also walking for me. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been on my own mental health journey. There have been days when simply putting one foot in front of the other has felt like an achievement. I’ve learnt that healing doesn’t happen overnight, and finding your way back to yourself takes time, courage and patience. So this month, every kilometre I walk is a reminder of just how far I’ve come. I’m walking for those who are struggling silently. I’m walking for those who feel lost and don’t know where to turn. I’m walking for the people who have stood beside me on my journey. And I’m walking in memory of those we’ve lost along the way. 40km. One foot forward. One step at a time. Every kilometre is helping shine a light on mental health, break down the stigma and raise much-needed funds for mental health research and support. Mental health touches more lives than we often realise. None of us know what someone else may be carrying beneath the surface. So this October, I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other — for myself, for others, and for anyone who needs reminding that you are not alone. ❤️

Total Raised

$406

Total Distance

47km

Distance Goal

60km

Support My Walk for Mental Health Research

Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental illness each year?

This October, I’m taking part in One Foot Forward to help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide.

I'm walking to raise funds for Black Dog Institute to put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education, and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most.

It would mean so much to me if you donated to support my walk.

Together, we can create better mental health for all Australians.

My Updates

One foot forward: pushing my limits, one step at a time 💚

Well, I’m definitely feeling it a little this week! My body is reminding me that I’ve been pushing myself, and there are a few sore muscles to prove it. But you know what? I’m pretty proud of myself for showing up and putting one foot in front of the other. When I first started this challenge, I knew I wanted to do something positive for my mental health, but I don’t think I fully appreciated just how much these walks would come to mean to me. There’s something about getting outside, putting one foot in front of the other, and letting your mind wander that does you the world of good. Some days I walk to clear my head, some days I walk to work through my thoughts, and other days I simply enjoy being out there and appreciating the world around me. Walking has become so much more than just reaching a kilometre target. It’s become a little bit of time for me, my wellbeing, and my healing. And as it turns out, I may have underestimated myself a little! I’ve had to increase my kilometre target because I’ve been making better progress than I expected. Who would have thought? Sometimes we are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. Of course, that doesn’t mean every day is easy. There are sore muscles, tired legs, and moments when I have to remind myself to listen to my body and take things at a sensible pace. This isn’t about racing anyone else or proving anything to the world. It’s about challenging myself, recognising my progress, and celebrating the little wins along the way. My One Foot Forward journey is deeply personal. Mental health struggles can take so much out of us, and finding your way back to yourself can take time. I know that journey isn’t always straightforward, but these walks are helping me feel stronger, both physically and mentally. Every kilometre is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect. Sometimes progress is simply getting out the door when you don’t feel like it. Sometimes it’s walking a little further than you thought you could. And sometimes it’s knowing when to rest and giving yourself permission to try again tomorrow. I’m walking 60km this October for One Foot Forward, to support mental health awareness, help break the stigma, and raise funds for vital mental health research and support. But I’m also doing it for myself, for anyone who is struggling right now, and in memory of those we have lost. If there’s one thing I hope this journey reminds people, it’s that you don’t have to have everything figured out to take the next step. You just have to keep going, one step at a time. So, for now, I’ll keep walking, keep challenging myself, and keep looking after my mental health along the way. I might be a little sore, but my heart is in this for all the right reasons. One foot forward. One kilometre at a time. 💚 #OneFootForward #MentalHealthMatters #100kmChallenge #OneStepAtATime #MentalHealthAwareness

My Achievements

Thank you to my Sponsors

$112.09

Anonymous

$66.73

Marnie G

$55.95

Jeff

🫶🏻

$45.30

Vivienne Halliday

Good on you gorgeous

$43.23

Karen Calcutt

Doing it for myself!

$30

Keryn

Great cause and wishing you wonderful weather for walking 🚶‍♀️ 😀

$28.81

Carol Donnachie

Good on you love.

$11.92

Janet Commens

$11.92

Bryony Hannington

Well done 💪

Thank you to my supporters

$45.30

Vivienne Halliday

Good on you gorgeous

$43.23

Karen Calcutt

Doing it for myself!

$30

Keryn

Great cause and wishing you wonderful weather for walking 🚶‍♀️ 😀

$28.81

Carol Donnachie

Good on you love.

$11.92

Janet Commens

$11.92

Bryony Hannington

Well done 💪