Lighthouse

11 october 2025

Managed to be ill for the first week, but made it through! First two walks completed, and hope to reach my goal. The heat has been excruciating, but nothing sunscreen and a day in the swimming pool can't fix. That's the other thing I failed to consider while I was walking, working towards my goal last month. I could do 6km in the morning or evening no problem, but now the sun seems to be so much more brutal. Either way, Winter into Spring has been gorgeous, but also really dry. Last month, dry leaves would be over damp soil. But now the soil is dust, all the way to 5cm down. Dreaming of planting rows of trees to provide shelter from the sun's brutality. Just a few days ago I considered this walk near impossible, my ear infection recurring and my sinus infection unrelenting. But I'm getting there, finally. And the walking has been keeping me sane, my chronic back pain from my scoliosis ha seen kept at bay. And walking has increased my lung capacity greatly. The overlay of physical illness and mental illness is common and is often intertwined. Being in pain, constantly having to isolate yourself or use all your energy attending doctors appointments makes you feel horrid. For me the isolation is the worst, some days getting up and having a shower is an accomplishment, let alone going outside. Here's to my fellow humans, making it through life, despite the card we've been dealt.

The start, 31st of august.

Officially signed myself up, because I want to help others. And mental illness sucks, I don't think a single member of my family hasn't got experienced it in some shape or form. This is small, but I am not one with a lot of money, so hopefully my walking can show how much I care, especially as a person with chronic pain. It's highly unlikely I reach my donation goal, but if I do, I'd be impressed. And also slightly confused, I don't think I know anyone with a spare 5 grand. That's the reality of mental illness, maintaining a job is an accomplishment. I will say I am doing this for my family, but mostly for myself. To prove I can, but also because it helps me stay sane. Excersize has been proven to help a person's state of mind, and it certainly helped me in some of the most stressful moments of my life. There was a point in time where I was detached from the passing of time and changing seasons that I couldn't tell you what the time was, let alone the date. And now I can plan months ahead for a journey for myself to go down. I'm a success story, and I hope others will get the resources they need. I wouldn't be where I am today without constant support from family and professionals. This is a cause worth fighting for, and walking is only a little way I can show it. But I want the institute to know it matters, and how important it is. Standing with you, and all struggling people. You're worth it. - R

Support Our Walk for Mental Health Research

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

Mental illness can be debilitating and can have a devastating impact on not only those living with it, but those around them. 

This October, our team is taking part in One Foot Forward to help reduce the impact of mental illness and suicide.

We're 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 our walk.

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