Support my 75km challenge for mental health research!

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Sarah

I suffered in silence ashamed to talk about my struggles from when I was 16...It wasn't until I turned 40 that I decided that I really needed help. Once I found courage to speak to a GP I discovered the way I was living was not normal and that I was worth something worth fighting for. Mental health was a taboo topic in my family and once I spoke up about my struggles I found out my mum struggled with it and also my children. I'm walking to help continue the conversation - your problems aren't magically solved by a pill and you are never have to feel alone even in the most heaviest days even when you feel you are.

Total Raised

$503

Total Distance

39km

Distance Goal

75km

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

Day 3 - 8/75km

Day 3 - 8/75km It was a very rainy day today but I really wanted to go into the CBD for a beach walk. The lighthouse was open so I changed plans and went up the hill and really aggravated my knee but I pushed on just like those days where my mental health was at its lowest. While it was only 2km today, it was a tough 2km in rain and with a sore knee but every step matters to raise awareness for mental health 💜💙💜 Will be uploading my daily reel to my TikTok shortly with footage from the lighthouse @saries08

Day 2 6/75km

After a very hot and long day at work on my feet I nearly decided not to go for a walk today. But as I drove home, cloud cover came over and I took that as a sign that I should get some kms knocked off the total. I walked past an elder man with his 2 dogs and my Newcastle Knights shirt made him smile and have a short chat with me. I don't usually enjoy talking to strangers but he was so kind. Made us both smile 😊

We have begun!

Took advantage of the beautiful weather in Lake Macquarie to get my first 3km done and dusted! It is my wedding anniversary today AND school holidays...so dragged the entire family out for an early morning walk and scoot around Speers Point park before work.

It's nearly time!

I tested out that my Garmin is syncing to the fundraiser. I tested out that the shoes which link nicely into wearing Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness are comfy. I received my cooling towel today in the mail and my shirt has been cut and altered for my first walk tomorrow! Very excited to get some kms on my chart and share the adventures with you all. If you want see footage please follow me on TikTok under @saries08!

Increasing the goals!

I'm so close to my 3rd fundraising goal which I've now increased to $550 that I've also decided to increase my km goal too! I've upped it from 60km to 75km.

I've been sussing out walking routes that I can do while I play Pokemon Go at the same time - playing video games helped me through some hard times - and Pokemon Go got me out and touching grass over the last 10 years so it seems fitting to include it in my walking challenge!

Still here and still finding myself

I may be all smiley for the camera for the filming and photos I need to post up for The Cleaning Collective but inside is still a very insecure and unsure girl who has been bullied emotionally my entire life. While I've seen a doctor, and medicated, I still need to heal from years of mental damage which over took my life and still at times has me in a dark hole. My self worth took a dive, and this fundraiser and motivation to reach my target will hopefully get my fitness back on track also so my eyes can meet the smile I put on for the cameras.

Fundraising update

After a donation from a beautiful friend, I reached enough to receive my shirt. I am not a white girlie but maybe I'll make an exception! I'm pairing this challenge with improving not only my mental health and talking about it more but also goal on my physical health. I purchased a walking pad for the nights that I'm just too tired after work or those bad weather days. I'm excited to get October goals smashed and probably over sharing 😅