Four Armidale women will walk 60 km to raise money for Beyond Blue
Walking 60 kilometres in a day doesn't daunt four Armidale women.
The resolute quartet - Kirsty Friedman, Susan Harris, Natalie Schmude, and her mother Barbara Weston - will walk along the Sydney coastline to raise money for Beyond Blue mental health services.
They are taking part in Coastrek, an annual charity walk on Friday, March 27, described as Australia's most popular hiking challenge for women. Starting at 6am, they have 18 hours to complete the walk from Palm Beach to Mosman.
Each member of the Armidale Touch Ups team must donate at least $500, but hopes to raise a lot more, Kirsty said.
The public can get involved by buying tickets to a charity luncheon next month, or donating online.
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This is the first time the women have participated in Coasttrek. They're nervous, Kirsty said, but their cause will give them strength.
"We want to raise money for Beyond Blue. If these guys are struggling with mental health and well-being, we just need to keep going."
The Beyond Blue Support Service provides free counselling, referrals and advice to people affected by anxiety, depression, and suicide.
The women deal with mental health needs in their working lives, Kirsty explained. "Nat's a nurse; she sees a lot of patients with issues. Sue works with special-needs kids at the High School." Kirsty herself works for Piddingtons the funeral directors.
Natalie (Nat) Schmude and Susan Harris
And it has been a tough year for the region. Droughts and fires have made the usual pressures of school, work, and family life even heavier.
"We all decided this is really important to our town at the moment, so let's take on a challenge," Kirsty said.
The women are fit - Barb Weston has been active all her life, while the three younger women play touch football together - and they've been training for months.
Every weekend, they walk through the pine forests or around Armidale. They started with 14 or 15 kms, and built up to 20kms.
The women will cross different terrains - from beaches up into the national parks - and encounter coastal weather. "It's going to be a challenge for sure!" Kirsty said.
The group will hold a fundraiser at Warrawee Cottage on Saturday, March 21. The event, Kirsty said, will involve a two-course meal, champagne, live music by Luke Cornish, raffles, and lucky door prizes.
"This charity luncheon is a way for everyone to get together in a fun filled, casual environment, with great company, amazing food and wonderful entertainment," Kirsty said.
"We're really excited about it. A lot of local businesses have jumped on board to help donate."
Tickets cost $55, and can be purchased from Warrawee Cottage, Timtams Tuckshop, Toyota, and Piddingtons.
The public can also donate to the team's online fundraising page at https://www.coastrek.com.au/fundraisers/touchups.
Barbara(Barb) Weston, Kirsty Friedman
The Beyond Blue Support Service is available by phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3pm-12am AEST), forums and email.
Kirsty encouraged people to seek help if they needed it. Modern life, she said, could often be stressful.
"Today, two people in a family have to work, raise kids, run a house, and even run their own business. If you're not feeling your best, there are places you can call to get help."
For more information, contact:
- Kirsty Friedman: 0412 066 280 or friedman.clan@yahoo.com
- Barb Weston: 0427 210 001 or barb.weston1950@gmail.com
- Susan Harris: 0425 248 999 or swalke14@hotmail.com