Elizabeth Miller is pulling on her walking shoes for the Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward project, which aims to raise vital funds for mental health research.
“Mental health is something that’s pretty close to my heart,” Elizabeth said.
“I’ve gone through depression and anxiety myself and it’s something that triggers every now and then.
“Being pregnant it’s definitely something that’s been highlighted again and with mental health on the rise during the pandemic, I think it’s something that’s really important to do.”
Elizabeth has been involved in charity work before and said it was a great opportunity to do something productive while waiting for her baby to arrive.
“The events management industry closed down so being unemployed for the first time in a long time was particularly difficult,” she said.
“This was something I could do to help that wasn’t giving money that we don’t necessarily have right now.”
One Foot Forward is a virtual walking challenge during Mental Health Month in October supporting research into early detection, prevention and treatment of mental health disorders, as well as funding vital support services for those most at risk.
“It’s just something that no-one’s done before . . . there’s not a whole bunch happening for research so I think it’s just a great cause in general,” Elizabeth said.
Despite a due date in early December, the expectant mother aims to walk 60 km by the end of the month by completing 2 km a day.
“I did a couple of test runs just before I announced I was doing it to make sure I’d be able to get through to the end,” she said.
“It takes a bit longer because I’m not able to walk at the same pace as I used to.”
Elizabeth is aiming to raise $500. to donate visit www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/elizabethmillerIf you or someone you know needs help or information, phone Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
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