Terra Lalirra, depression awareness walker, joined us this week on a Camping End-to-Ender for sunset and caving as part of her journey around Oz.
Whilst Ms Lalirra says she hasn’t been walking long with ‘The Happy Walk’ starting on September 10th 2012, she has actually been long distance walking for her health for over a decade and will be walking for almost another decade in her plight to aid her cause.
“I am walking around Australia for 7 years for Lifeline and Depression Awareness and Suicide Prevention,” she said. “I have walked around Tasmania and just begun walking from Perth to Melbourne which should take 8-15 months.”
The path has not always been a joyful one for this Happy Walker so creating awareness and raising money is close to her heart.
“I would like to raise one million dollars for Lifeline over a 7 year period but also as I walk I chat with people about their experiences and my experiences and hand out little cards to recognise depression.”
“(The best part of the trip) is the natural surroundings I have walked through and the characters that I meet. People pull over just anywhere on the side of the road, come and give me a big hug and share they own experiences with Lifeline … it’s inspiring and keeps me going.”
“I get a lot of time to think and to experience my surroundings in every sense. I get to smell and taste and feel everything that drivers miss,” she said.
Gene Hardy, Managing Director of CCET, believes that long distant walking is beneficial for the soul and the mind.
“It’s interesting as some of our walkers say that long distance walking can have transformational effects like long term effects on your positive well being.
“It gives you time to reflect and relax and, if you are walking with your partner, catch up with them.”
Terra Lalirra uses walking as therapy to stay mentally healthy and hopes to raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention.
If you would like to join us on a walk please contact us here… E: info@capetocapetours.com.au M:0459 452 038 or here for more info…
Sunset Track, Forest and Cave Explorer Tour or Camping End-to-Ender
If you would like to read about Ms Lalirra or help her on ‘The Happy Walk’ please go here… The Happy Walk
If you are feeling down and need some help please go here… Lifeline or call the crisis line 13 11 14.
