By Jessica Anstice
A group of inspiring Tewantin women raised more than $2000 this year for Beyond Blue by walking 30km in Coastrek, and are hoping to do the same next year.
Coastrek is a team trekking challenge held annually along the stunning coastline of Brisbane, with the aim to improve participant’s mental health and raise funds for the mental health of others.
Tewantin’s Susan Dunlop initiated the group ‘Chicks with Kicks’ but things weren’t so smooth sailing for her group in the lead up to the trek.
During the preparation period, original group member Tracey Neagle was diagnosed with breast cancer and Joan Molloy came down with Pneumonia.
“Tracey and Joan ended up becoming our cheerleaders and we got two new people to join our group,” Susan said.
“One of the women we recruited had just lost her husband to brain cancer so the event was a much needed distraction for her.”
In the end, the final group consisted of Susan, Jane Marren, Jan Bramley and Sharen Hynd, with Tracey and Joan supporting on the sidelines.
Susan believes it is important to encourage people to reach out in times of need, and that is why she has chosen to take part in the Coastrek again next year.
“My dad had depression and we’ve had family members that have lost people so it’s nice to be able to support Beyond Blue’s work,” she said.
“I think it’s important that people know that it’s OK to speak up if they’ve been bitten by the black dog.”
Having already completed the July Coastrek, Susan said she realised the trek was not as hard to attempt as she first anticipated.
“It was a challenge but considering what other people go through, it’s really worth it,” she added.
“It’s just nice and at the same time it’s social. While we were walking, the chats we had were great – it was pretty rare there was a quiet moment.
“The conversations just kept us going. We’d be laughing, planning, coming up with ideas and just listening to each other because everyone had quite a hard year.”
Coastrek founder and women’s health expert, Di Westaway, says the benefits of being active outdoors are convincingly backed by science but most of us are so busy indoors, we’ve forgotten how good this feels.
“We’ve inspired tens of thousands of women to get moving in nature and there’s no doubt the experience brings them joy and vitality. Once you experience it, you’ll fall in love with it,” she said.
“Coastrek is a chance to get fitter and healthier by deep diving into an epic adventure with friends in gorgeous coastal locations.
“It lifts your mood and supports the fabulous work of Beyond Blue.”
