06/04/2022
A long-ish post, but worth it!
What a simply beautiful morning on the trails. I cannot thank everyone enough for supporting me over what is probably about 6 months! Having had to reschedule twice for COVID and then the flooding, the day was a long time coming! But it was worth the wait 😍
A huge thank you to all my wonderful sponsors who made the day possible or helped me raise funds, spread the word or contributed to ensure the event was a success - Fincraft, Virgin Active Australia Pure Running, Soft Serve Bakery Van Devitt's Wholesale Meats Sterndale Web Steigen, Jo Wood from Aspire2 and Simon Hamilton from ChallengeWorks and Penny Ainscow from The Trailblazers Running Club - Sydney, Kate from Trail Run Mag - Australia/NZ and Nadine from The Northern Beaches Review - I couldn’t have done it without you all!
And also to the wonderful volunteers on the day - Deborah, Sam and Isabel and also St John’s Ambulance crew for being there, just in case! You were all amazing! I hope I haven’t missed anyone!
It was a start in the dark and a sunny finish! And I was so fortunate to have a fellow runner, Hanne Topland join me for the entire route! Thank you so much Hanne, it was so lovely to have company which was very unexpected!
A personal thank you and hug as ever to my own support crew (my boys) to run me into the finish, help run the BBQ, registrations, set up and be all round lovely helpers! And a sweaty hug with hubby Johnny at the end, who supports me with my running and is always there to see me finish…thank you 💕
Supporting the work of Be Centre Foundation was my main mission and so far we have raised over $2,500k which is simply amazing. I would love to increase this and be able to help more children to recover from trauma and go on to lead healthy and happy lives, free from the mental health issues which can plague children into adulthood if they do not receive the healing they need during childhood. Play therapy provides children with healing in a way that allows them to express themselves when they can’t do that with words. You can read more about their work on my fundraising page at the link below.
If you were unable to run or are yet to donate or maybe wish to buy the limited edition Steigen Trail Heroes socks with all proceeds to be centre, then I would love it if you could donate - every donation helps a child and with be centre receiving zero government funds - crazy when this is such vital work in early intervention and prevention of mental health issues in adults which is costing this country millions not to mention the impact on families, every donation really does save lives. You can donate or buy socks here - https://trailheroes.raisely.com/
I am already planning next year! I want to ensure that Trail Heroes becomes an annual event but it may change a little to make it even more accessible, fun and an event that all can be involved in! In order to do that, I will need to create a planning team, so if anyone is keen to get involved and help out, please let me know!
I want to raise awareness of the vital work of be centre for both local children and those across Australia as play therapy is a very limited service in Australia. But I also want to share my love of the trails and how they contribute to improving my mental health and encourage us all to get out into our bushland, into nature and soak up the enormous benefits of moving our bodies in the outdoors.
And finally, I couldn’t have done this without the enormous support of be centre themselves and in particular Christina Rooney and CEO Michelle Carlyle. They supported me throughout and were there on the day cheering me on. Thank you so much both.
The most beautiful touch was that every participant received a medal, which was handmade by the children at be centre….this is now my most special and precious medal of all my races and one which I will treasure forever. You can see mine below chosen for me by my boys x
Donations remain open for the next few weeks so please do spare a dollar or two!
Happy running, you are all my Trail Heroes - Susie
