Click to sponsor Laura at www.justgiving.com/laura-kelly85
18 miles isn’t far, it’s approximately Portstewart to Ballymoney, Downpatrick to Castlewellan or Belfast to Bangor. Only 20mins in the car and you’re at your destination. However, walking that distance is a different story all together as Holywood girl Laura Kelly is finding out.
A fan of keeping fit and not one to turn down a challenge, Laura jumped at the chance to do an 18mile walk while raising money for Aware Defeat Depression.
There’s a common misconception that depression is all in the head or a case of wallowing in self-pity. Anyone who has experienced it knows how soul-destroying it is. It’s tough enough going through it without feeling like you should ‘give yourself a shake’.
Commenting on her reason for this challenge Laura says:
“I’ve seen the effects of this illness on those close to me. I’ve seen how it destroys relationships, lives, jobs and general wellbeing. Depression is something I struggle with myself, especially coming into autumn and winter. I know how much getting outdoors and being active can help so I’m really excited about doing this walk, and raising awareness of the illness at the same time”
Walking has always been regarded as the poor relation of sports and training. Runners have their marathons, cyclists have their races, but walking has been known as the gentle sport- a stroll, an amble or a Sunday afternoon dander to blow the cobwebs away. Bigfoot walk is the first of its kind, a challenge specifically for walkers.
It takes two iconic landmarks, between 15-20 miles apart and joins them with an incredible walking challenge. The very first Bigfoot challenge is between the historic towns of Armagh and Dungannon. Starting from the mall in the shadow of the Cathedral spires, to the summit of the Castlehill in Dungannon, seat of the O’Neills, where you can trace the entire route back to Armagh.
While Laura may enjoy her exercise, the training plan is proving somewhat tricky. Having suffered with sleep issues for a number of years Laura is currently experiencing a bout of insomnia that is affecting much needed physical energy for training. A recent training session was particularly hard when Laura and her co-walker were undergoing a 10mile walk.
“Having had a sleepless night the night before our 10mile walk I was feeling particularly drained but determined to keep going. Physically the pain was bearable and I can work through that, but mentally I was exhausted. I know they say you have to train your mind as well as your body but this was tough. At the end of the walk I cried and felt really low because of how hard it had been. It’s made me realise just how challenging this is going to be.”
Although into keeping fit Laura admits that the length of time it takes is the biggest obstacle.
“My attention span isn’t the best, so it means gym sessions, or sports I enjoy are restricted to 30-45mins. Anything more than that and I start to lose interest and motivation or get distracted. Knowing this walk is going to take the guts of 5/6 hours is proving to be the toughest mind challenge.”
Undeterred by the struggles of walking for that length of time Laura’s daily reminders of why she’s doing the walk help to spur her on.
Aware Defeat Depression is the only charity in Northern Ireland working exclusively with and for people with depression. While Laura admits that raising money for charity is sometimes risky knowing how closely involved Aware are with the fundraising and support services and the assurance that the money is going directly to a specific illness is a huge benefit. It’s not just about raising money in order to fund training and support services. It’s also raising the profile of what Aware do.
“I want to reach my financial target because I know the money will help Aware to do what they’re so good at – provide support groups across N.I, hold training sessions and educate people about depression. But, if people can’t donate, then talk about the walk. About the fact this gal and her pal are walking 18miles, that in itself is a conversation starter and will hopefully lead onto mentioning Aware.”
The more people that talk about depression rather than avoiding the topic because of the fear of being judged, then the more people will become comfortable with it.
“If 1/4 people are affected by depression, the chances are you know something who’s dealing with it or trying to hide it…or maybe you’re going through it.”
You can sponsor Laura by visiting her online fundraising page on www.justgiving.com/laura-kelly85. The money raised goes directly to Aware Defeat Depression. Where supporters are UK taxpayers, the charity will automatically receive 28% extra in Gift Aid, which makes Justgiving the most efficient way of sponsoring Laura.