Bec aims for 250km

By Emma Ballingall

What began as a personal journey to enforce exercise and “me time” has given Warragul resident Bec Dickinson a global army of support.

Bec joined the Black Dog Institute “One Foot Forward” challenge with the aim of walking each day in October totalling 120km and raising $500 to support the mental health support charity.

However, as the donations quickly rolled in and the kilometres ticked down, Bec has lifted her goals to walking 250km and raising $5000.

Like many, 2020 has been a difficult year. Bec, who has battled mental health before, was locked down, home schooling and raising a young family whilst, together with husband Stu, cut off from family in the UK.

The unknown of when they might see them again was emphasised by the death of Stu’s father and not being able to return to the UK for the funeral.

Bec praises her support network of family and friends for helping her through a “shocking year for my mental health”.

As a result, Bec decided to do something positive for herself and the huge numbers of other Australians in the same situation who may not have support networks.

“I think it (mental health) applies to a lot of people. I think a lot of people don’t talk about it and they should. It’s taboo, people don’t want to talk about it.”

Finding she was missing those daily interactions at the school gate, at a café or just down the street, Bec started making videos for social media during her walks to encourage donations but also talk about the daily ups and downs of mental health.

She is getting great feedback and re-connecting with family and friends from across the globe.

More importantly, it is putting mental health in conversations as she urges people not to suffer silence.

“It just goes to show when people do speak out, be brave, people out there follow suit. Everybody is having a tough time and struggling in their own way.

“This is me, this is what’s going on with me. Let’s try to do something about it and get the word out.”

“I was just doing it for me and because I wanted to raise money for the challenge. I feel like I’ve got this little team behind me now. What started out as a singular challenge now feels like a team.”

Getting back into walking after a foot injury curtailed sporting endeavours, Bec has journeyed along the walking tracks in Warragul and discovered new pockets of the town. She has also been joined by friends and taken her walks in Lakes Entrance and surrounds during a small break away.

Bec first learned of the Black Dog Institute through medical recommendations and urged anyone needing help to reach out. You can visit blackdoginstitute.org.au to learn more or make a donation.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 131 114.