Walking for Shannon
In a few short days I will be heading to the United States for another grand adventure.
Five years ago, my sister Rowan and I set out to hike from Mexico to Canada in memory of our dear brother Shannon, who died by suicide. Whilst we walked a long way - nearly 2500 kilometres - we made the difficult decision to finish our hike on the Pacific Crest Trail early due to challenging wildfires.
Half a decade later, I once again have the privilege to retire from the busyness of the modern world and spend six months living out of a tiny tent. I am excited by the prospect of returning to the soaring mountains, ancient pines and raging rivers which are forever etched in both mine and Rowan’s hearts.
Our last journey allowed me the space to acknowledge a profound grief. One so bottomless that it threatened to swallow me whole. Whilst in my experience there is no healing a wound so deep, it was hard not to ‘let in’ a small measure of the peace and beauty which enveloped us each day out there ‘on the trail’.
I have a lot of lessons left to learn, but I know one thing with certainty. This life is not a test run. Our hold upon this world is frighteningly fragile. I hope that in my own small way, I can inspire those around me to challenge themselves. To choose a meaningful life over one defined by the endless pursuit of ever greater comfort.
Please help me to support those struggling with their mental health by furthering the important work of the Black Dog Institute. Not everyone has the luxury of setting off across America when their world falls apart.
Hope to see you out on the trail.
Bede (and Rowie).
P.S. You can follow my progress via weekly posts on Instagram: https://instagram.com/bede_walks_places?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=
My Achievements
Thank you to my Sponsors
$75
Hazza Grice
$104.50
Tina
Amazing effort Bede, proud of you x
$20
Sam Ramsay
$21.10
Robyn Skene
What a wonderful cause. Thinking of you
$52.25
Olivia Thorpe
Much love to you and your family Bede ❤️
$50
Stephanie Ayrton
You’re amazing bede, everyone is so proud of you! 😁
$51
Hannah Cliff
Amazing Bede, what a journey for such an important cause. I have loved following your walk from afar, thankyou for sharing.
$10
Johanna Dwyer
$40
James Parker
Hey mate! Took me a while to reach the donation link. But so glad to contribute, and am honoured to know you and support your cause. Your actions and words have touched me deeply in the short time I've known you, and as all of us are touched by mental health issues it's powerful to contribute to the cause. Have been following your journey somewhat closely. Your journey, both on foot and mentally, are incredible to see! Hope you're soaking up every bit of goodness and beauty you can from this experience, and thank you for sharing your thoughts on the experience (both on trail, and the journey through dealing with such a significant loss and staying afloat). Honoured to call you a bro! Seeya when you're home, one way or another ♥️♥️♥️♥️
$52.75
Rhiannon Miner
Keep strong Bede, you got this!
$200
Steph King
$158.25
Susan Manahan
$21.10
Anonymous
$52.75
Nicole Barr
$52.75
Leanne Sinfield
What a worthwhile cause. Good Luck!
$21.10
Denise Maree Smith
$52.75
Darryl Kane
its a really courageous thing to do, to take personal loss and channel that into something worthwhile for others. all the best
$105.50
Tom Mc
Proud to support. Keep ticking off those miles; you know the clearest way into the Universe.
$208
Kirren And Tess
Love from your housemates. We'll be thinking of you back home.
$131.25
Reanna Auston
Goodluck mate- will be thinking of you! And thinking of Shannon ❤️
$305
Helen Williamson
Love from georgi x
$210
Lynn
Thinking of you Bede... God be with you..all my love
$52.50
Kate Nisbet
Healing the multi generational trauma and hurt is something we all must do. Well done for inspiring others and showing the way.
$255
Danielle And Peter Wilson
One foot in front of the other. Always with much love x
$208
Angie, Mike & Jazz
May you find peace and make many lifelong memories on this incredible journey xxx
$105
Neika Clarke
Good stuff Bede. Love your whole family. This is an important cause
$84
Robyn Moses
Your dad and I will be there with you all the way and I know Shannon will be there in spirit. Love you Mum
$10.75
Anonymous
Go get ‘em! You can do it! 💛
$262.50
Flynn And Kate.
Well done Bede, we are so proud of you for taking on the PCT yet again for such a close to home cause! Love Flynn and Kate.
$105
Max
Good luck mate, hope you see some beautiful places and meet some awesome people, and I'm looking forward to seeing your updates as you go!
$26
Briony R
$50
Sally Hatton
All the best mate. I'm looking forward to following along 🌳
$105
Carney
Amazing. Safe travels and journey well.
$31.50
Anonymous
All the best Bede, as you take on this next adventure! What you (and Rowie) have done for such a vital organization is inspiring. All the best on your travels 😊
$80
Bobby
Have an amazing adventure through an amazing landscape! My thoughts will be with you on this journey.
$50
Sar, Mike, Raphy & Finny
Love you Bedey, very proud of you for being a wonderful human ❤ xxx
$104
Adrien Lalchere
Can't wait to see all the adventures from your journey!!
$52.50
We love you Uncle Bede, so proud of you. Love Liam, Alex, and Harry.