I am hiking 165KLM'S to help create a mentally healthier world!
I CHOOSE YOU! To help me, help others!
This year for Christmas I chose a gift that would provide myself with a new challenge / goal to focus on. I chose this specific gift due to my own struggle(s) with my mental health over the past years. My father’s wish to no longer burden others resulting in an attempt to take his own life and many of my friends who all have their own struggle(s). In return I (and YOU) will help create awareness surrounding mental illness and suicide. This is a cause very close to my heart. We all know someone doing it tough…we all want to help!
I purchased a package to Papua New Guinea with like minded people (who I do not know....yet and will not meet until the day of the trek), and I am hiking approximately 165 kilometres (102 miles) over 7 days for the “Black Dog Institute” - The “Kokoda Track”.
The “Kokoda Track” was the location of the 1942 World War 2 battle between the Japanese and Australian forces.
While all literature refers to the historic wartime track as 96 kilometres in length ("as the crow flies" - point A to B on a map in a straight line), today’s track measures roughly 165 kilometres including side trips and detours, which is the distance I / we will be walking. This equates to around 20 kilometres of intense dusk to dawn trekking per day!
The journey is only passable on foot. It cuts across rugged, isolated terrain, razor edged ridges, over steep towering mountains (reaching a height of 2,490 metre’s (8,169ft) and descends deep into the rainforest. The day’s will be long, hot, and humid, with intensely cold nights and torrential rainfall.
If you could PLEASE spare just the value of a “cup of coffee”, “a plate of sushi” or “bevy”, your generosity will help the “Black Dog Institute” to improve the lives of people impacted by MENTAL ILLNESS and SUICIDE. All donations are paid directly to the “Black Dog Institute” and your donation is fully tax deductible with a receipt supplied!
Please note: My trip has been fully paid for by myself and all donations paid / received go directly to the institute to support the cause. (To be clear, you are not funding my trip but only supporting this great cause).
Lots of free hug’s and thank you so much if you choose to donate ❤️.
MS xx
FYI;
Your generosity will help Black Dog Institute to improve the lives of people impacted by MENTAL ILLNESS and SUICIDE.
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 Trail, Papua New Guinea 2023.
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.
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
"QUOTE"
Wednesday 21st Dec
Thank you to my Sponsors
$520
Sunshine Powder Coatings
$52.75
Shontelle And Daniel Makin
All the best Mel! We are excited to watch your adventures ❤️🙌🏻
$100
The Johnsons
We’ll be cheering you on, Mel! Sending all our love xxx
$50
Miranda Mclennan
$50
Connie Gore
Good luck Mel! Safe travels xo
$20
Jo Lambert
Your amazing x
$200
Simon Lewis
Good luck! Don't forget your mozzie repellent!
$521
Anonymous
$52.75
Candace Derrick
Good luck Mel! This is an awesome thing you're doing.
$50
Hope Van Beek
Such an inspiration, get it girl! 💖
$5.28
Anonymous
$50
Jimmy Badcock
Yeah girl
$30
Amie Mcdonald
Go Mel! I’m so proud of you!! 👏
$105.50
Jack Deane
$10.55
Adrian Axelsen
$211
Schwarz Family
Pack bandaids - proud of you ✊🏼 Love team schwarz
$50
Emma Filippi
Proud of you xx
$90
Melissa Miragaia
$52.25
Peter Oram
$250
Jason Clift
From the clift’s
$105
Nikki
Dearest Mel. Known you only for a brief minute, but completely mindblown by your motivation to undertake this challenge and your drive to raise awareness and funds for an extremely worthy cause. The world needs more like you. Thank you for being so inspiring. Cant wait to follow the journey. N. x
$52.50
Ben Dixon
Mel I think this is absolutely wonderful Stella effort
$10
Anonymous
Yep
$52
Leo Villarin
Good on you babe!! What an great cause xx
$262.50
Daniel Mckenna
Get it Guuuurll
$20.80
Anonymous
$520
Brett Morgan
Best Of Luck Kiddo
$105
Deb And Michael Arnold
Very happy to support you on this challenge Mel. Good luck.
$262.50
Arthur
$15.60
Paul Zara
$31.50
Sheridan
Get it girl! Can’t wait to see you smash this next goal for such a great cause
$105
Gamble Excavations
$94.50
Taylor Made Collective
Love from Tay x
$100
Donna Bruce
Great effort Mel. What a great cause.
$50
N
Great cause and great challenge! Go get it Mel!!!
$52.50
Tanya Ambrosini
$250
Aerialcatz
You are an inspiration! We are behind you Mel! Thankyou so much for sharing and helping spread the love for this important and wonderful cause. ❤️
$262.50
Lorraine Preston And Kevn Laughton
Dear Mel, We wish you all the best for your efforts with this very worthwhile fundraising effort. Congratulations on taking on the challenge and we will be thinking of you as you start your preparation in earnest over the next few months. Love always Mum and Kev xxxxx
$105
Joel Badcock
Better start training! Haha
$105
Sushi Holden
$30
Jules
Love you!!! Good luck boo ❤️
$52.50
Kegga Mcguinness
You got this girl…!!!
$110.25
Kaylene Mcnee
You go girl xo love that you and others are helping with supporting those who suffer mental health.
$500
Reece Plumbing
$262.50
Dani Clout
GOOD LUCK MY LOVE.
$100
Monique Morley
Love you darling, go you good thing
$105
Julia Iezzi
So proud of you, Mel. Love you <3
$52.50
Stephen Place
Well done on your wonderful and selfless initiative.
$515
David A
$515
Anonymous
$105
Taylor Made Collective
Supporting my most selfless beautiful bestie, Love your number 1 supporter xxx
$100
Joseph Gardiner
Good on you Mel! Inspirational! 🤩
$52.50
Wade Robert Fenton
$500
Sally Grace
Dear Mel, How exciting! I am so proud of you for taking on this challenge, for a cause so close to your heart. Please ensure you update your will prior. I hope you make it home alive. I will be cheering you on. Love your sister, Sally xo
$250
Kick Kokoda’s a$$ Mel! So proud of you for raising money for such a impactful cause! It hits home for everyone all over the world. We will be cheering you all the way! “Mental health isn’t a battle to be won. It is a journey to keep on walking!” Big Love! Xoxoxo