FOUR Port Macquarie women are planning on walking 60 kilometres – from Manly Beach to Bondi Beach – in just one day, raising money for The Fred Hollows Foundation.
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Trekkers Nicole Wighton, Kylie Jones, Deb Nelson, and Jody Hopkins are among nearly 3,000 trekkers gearing up for the tenth annual Wild Women On Top Sydney Coastrek, on Friday, March 16.
Calling themselves Team GI Jones, the awesome foursome have raised almost $2500 since they decided to take part in the walk, according to team member Nicole Wighton.
“We were looking for a new challenge in 2018 and we all strongly believe in and support The Fred Hollows Foundation,” Mrs Wighton said.
“We have all done different walks and charity events but for this one we have been training every week for the last 12 weeks to ensure we are able to go the distance.
“And when we are walking along the beautiful Port Macquarie coastline it does make our training days easier.”
On their most recent training day, they trekked from Port Macquarie to Laurieton and back walking over sand and bushland to mimic conditions they will come across in Sydney, said Kylie Jones.
“The training has been quite vigorous and we have stuck to the training program they give you when you sign up,” Mrs Jones said.
“It has been a real group bonding experience and knowing we are doing something not just for ourselves but to help others is great.
“We believe that no one should be needlessly blind and Fred Hollows was such a wonderful man; we've heard many great stories about him during our fundraising efforts and wanted to do our part to help.”
The group say they are excited and pumped the day is almost here, but the journey has not been without problems, said Deb Nelson and Jody Hopkins.
“It has been a long time coming but I think now that it is almost here we are getting pumped up and are ready,” Mrs Nelson said.
“When we did our first walk – only 15kms – we all thought we would never make it, but after a lot of training I think we are nearly ready.”
“Along the way we have all had our problems from dehydration to severe blisters but I think we know we can do it because we are in it together,” Mrs Hopkins said.
Founder and CEO of Wild Women on Top Coastrek, Di Westaway, said Sydney Coastrek was a way for women to come together for their own health and wellbeing, while also changing the lives of others.
“Coastrek motivates women to prioritise their own health while helping others. They regain their confidence through fun fitness with friends and their wanderlust experience makes them feel awesome,” Mrs Westaway saod.
“Coastrek has an even greater impact on the millions of women and girls who make up more than half of the world’s blind.
“By taking part in Coastrek, women are restoring sight to other women, which helps them to return to work so they can provide for themselves and their families, and also helps girls to return to school and continue their education.”
To donate to the GI Jones team click here.
