MareeM

Kokoda 2023

Help me create a mentally healthier world!

We all have our battles. Let’s support each other and reduce the stigma of mental illness. This will be my second challenge to help raise funds for research and mental health support services. As someone who works in this area funding is so important to ensure those in need get the help they need.

Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Australians every year, with the most common being depression and anxiety. Mental illness doesn’t discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life — individuals, families, workplaces and communities.

I'm inspired by the work of Black Dog Institute and want to support them by raising money as part of my participation in Black Dog Institute's Hike for Mental Health: Kokoda 2023.

Please help me help them by giving whatever you can.

The more people that know about Black Dog Institute, the greater their impact, so please also spread the word by sharing my page with your friends and family. Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot to so many!

My Achievements

Uploaded Profile Pic

Added a blog post

Self donated

Shared page

Reached 50% of fundraising goal

Reached 100% of fundraising goal

My Updates

Grit & determination

Sunday 2nd Apr
As I sit here in hospital waiting on surgery, I reflect on yesterday’s hike. We walked/staggered a total of 16kms from Cowan Station to Hawkesbury River Station. Not too far you might say except I got my leg caught between 2 rocks about 1km in. Looking at where we had come from it didn’t seem like an inviting way to return. So I pulled up my big girl pants and soldiered on. With a lot of support from my fellow hikers, especially my roomie from our Cradle Mountain Hike, Amanda, ( I was determined to make the most of her travel from Canberra). I kept reflecting on the journey one words of our friend Brad - a challenge isn’t a challenge, unless it’s a challenge (this was on the shirt I was wearing).. as you can imagine, the hill I had come down meant there was another hill to climb and another and another and another. I kept looking for this flat road that was ‘just around the bend’ according to Greg. We didn’t find it 😂 
There was a total of 7  in our motley crew who are all fundraising for Black Dog Institute. I was glad to meet up with my old friend Sophie who will be part of the trail blazers for Kokoda, along with her friend Danny and Grant. A big shout out to both Matt & Grant for hanging with Amanda and I at the back of the group and of course Greg who kept giving me false house that the flat but was just around the bend.
Oh, did I mention that I have a fractured tibia. It’s a good thing it’s only April- plenty of time to recover. 


Thank you to my Sponsors

$52.75

Gail G

Amazing achievement and such a worthy cause - well done!

$105.50

Matt Shearer

Well done Maree, great effort.

$52.75

Janette Wright

Wishing you all the best Maree on your walk. I hope you make it a trifecta and walk next year too... I’d love to do some hikes with you so keep that in mind

$52.75

Jade Frost

You go Girl!!!!

$52.75

Mick Cowling

Best of luck with your walk, it will be tough but you will be tougher.

$52.75

Karen Isberg

You go girl - you’re a legend!

$26.38

Tracey Pattey

What a great cause Maree!! I wish you all the best on this adventure!!

$52.75

Kynan Coolibah

$21.10

Alex Stuart

Good on you Maree! An exciting adventure ahead

$52.75

Sara Briggs - Opmhs

Well done Maree, all the best!

$52.75

Lauren C

Best of luck Maree!

$21.10

Anonymous

Safe travels, Maree. Well done for raising awareness for mental health and putting in such an inspiring effort.

$10

Kelly

Thank you for raising mental health awareness. I admire your commitment and courage.

$21.10

Jenny Hughes

Wonderful cause Maree. Best wishes xx

$52.75

Arita

Good luck Maree! Safe trip xx

$105

Alex Thomson

Good luck Maree

$105

Maree Mitchell