Community & Business
14 April, 2022
Hike to Heal Australia puts best foot forward
The Hike to Heal Scavenger Hike has achieved its fundraising target.
“Six years ago, I experienced the death of my beloved son, Nicholas, by suicide,” says Linda Barton, mother and founding member of Hike to Heal Australia.
“Nick was a fun loving, kind hearted person who wore his heart on his sleeve.
“His death was both unexpected and devastating to those who loved him.
“Nothing could have prepared me for this loss and I was left heart broken.”
Scientific studies show that walking in nature with friends improves mood, productivity, physical and mental health, memory, and sleep.
It also reduces stress, anxiety, lethargy and cognitive decline and can be used to treat anxiety and depression with no negative side effects.
While the evidence to support walking as a means of managing mental ill health, the reality is that for many people with mental health issues, just getting out of bed can be a challenge let alone putting on shoes and going for a walk and connecting with others.
Two years ago, the Hike to Heal Australia launched the Scavenger Hike at Mt Peel.
The event was designed to connect individuals with each other and inspire them to strengthen their own well-being while walking beside people managing mental ill health and suicide loss.
With the support of Toowoomba Regional Council, business sponsors and the community, the event has been able to help improve the mental health of hundreds of local residents through hiking in nature, while raising thousands of dollars to provide resources and support for local suicide prevention and mental health services.
This year’s fundraising target was $5000, and despite the wet conditions, the organisation was able to present a cheque for this amount to Grant Simpson, the CEO of Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland.
Hike to Heal Australia president, Linda Barton has extended her gratitude and thanks to the Toowoomba Regional Council for the Event Support Grant and to major sponsors, Computer Ambulance, Westbrook Family Medical and First National Real Estate, the many small businesses who also sponsored the event and the all those who participated in the event.
For more information, visit their website.
