My 9km Walking Challenge: A Journey in Three Days - Day 3

At 6:30 a.m., as a gentle rain traced patterns along my windowpane, I rose to greet the day, September 10^th, ready to complete my walk for Lifeline’s Out of the Shadows walk. After a shower, fully awake, I ventured out with a singular resolve: that no one should ever have to face their darkest moments alone.

As I wandered through the bushland, the rain soft upon my head, I encountered a duck. We shared a quiet moment—“You love this weather, don’t you?” I mused. Unfazed, the duck lingered, ruffling his feathers against the drops, a small companion in the tranquil morning.

 My hair was soaked by then, but seeing him so content, I felt undisturbed by the rain.

 Only a single jogger and one walker with an umbrella crossed my path. I continued, letting the raindrops wash over my face, feeling the joy and stillness of the early morning.

 My 9 km walk pledge is complete.

Naturally, my wonderful husband Chris far outpaced me—he walked at least 20 kilometres more than I did, though I eventually lost count. Thank you, dear man, for your boundless energy and constant support!

My 9km Walking Challenge: A Journey in Three Days - Day 2

Today, I wandered 3.5 kilometres along winding trails, each step weaving me deeper into the heart of the bushland. My journey took an enchanting turn when I stumbled upon a two-year-old’s birthday celebration tucked beneath the towering eucalypts—a gathering brimming with laughter, cake, and the gentle spirit of childhood, all wrapped in the dappled sunlight of the forest.

For a while, my walking companion was an amiable bush turkey, strutting confidently alongside me. Perhaps it too was drawn by the promise of cake, or maybe simply by the joy of shared company beneath the open sky. There is a quiet magic that pervades these moments: the simple pleasures of movement, the chorus of birds overhead, and the feeling of being part of the living tapestry of nature.

 I am grateful I made it out today. Tomorrow marks the final leg of the Lifeline Out of the Shadows Walk, and my new t-shirt arrived just in time for the occasion —a small but meaningful symbol of perseverance.

 My feet, though once fractured, every bone in my right foot broken, have carried me through. And at eighty-one, my body continues to answer the call of adventure, steadfast and resilient.

These walks are reminders of the beauty found in small things, of the strength within us, and of the unexpected joys awaiting us in the rustling leaves and shaded paths.

 I walk to save a life out of the shadows, online and offline.

My 9km Walking Challenge: A Journey in Three Days - Day 1

To ensure I can successfully fulfill my pledge of 9 kilometres, I’ve decided to spread the walk over three days, mindful of my age and fitness level and determined to approach the challenge sensibly.

 Today, I completed the first three kilometres along the picturesque Gosford riverfront, accompanied by water birds and immersed in the tranquillity of nature.

 Along the way, I encountered fellow dog walkers and had the pleasure of patting dogs of all kinds—a true delight for a passionate dog lover like me.

Tomorrow, I’ll set out for another three kilometres, with the finish line in sight on Wednesday, September 10th. The journey continues!

I'm walking to remember those lost to suicide and help people in crisis

Tragically, every year over 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life and over 3,000 Australians die by suicide. 

Lifeline receives over 1 million contacts from people in crisis each year.

Suicide has devastating impact on friends and loved ones.

For World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10), I will be taking part in Out of the Shadows and walking for the 9 people lost to suicide every day.

I'm walking to raise funds for Lifeline to provide suicide prevention services and support for Australians in need.

Please support my walk and sponsor me to help those in crisis.

Together, we can ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.