1,322.5km Walk in Honour of My Very, Very Good Brother, Matt
Hello There,
From September 1 to October 27, 2025, I will be walking 1,322.5 kilometers from Queenscliff (VIC) to Adelaide (SA) to raise money for the Stroke Foundation.
Several years ago, at just 32, my brother suffered a stroke that resulted in permanent physical disability. Witnessing Matt's dedication to his rehabilitation and his effort to relearn daily tasks has been truly inspiring. He is deeply committed to supporting and working with people with disability and has clearly found meaning in what I believe will be a lifelong commitment to advocacy in the disability sector and more broadly.
The incidence of stroke in individuals under 55 has increased by 67% from 2010 to 2018 (Li et al., 2022). One contributing factor is our increasingly sedentary lifestyles. This is a systemic issue; we’ve evolved to achieve optimal health by standing and moving for more than six hours every day, which is pretty non conducive to your typical 9-5 (Brackenridge et al., 2024). For every kilometre walked (in lieu of driving) the public healthcare system saves an estimated $5.24 (NSW Active Transport Health Model Reference Outcome Values, 2024). Therefore, I aim to raise $5.24 for each kilometre I walk, totalling $6,929.90 over the 58 day journey.
Thank you,
Ellen
References
Brakenridge, C. J., Koster, A., de Galan, B. E., Carver, A., Dumuid, D., Dzakpasu, F. Q. S., Eussen, S. J. P. M., Savelberg, H. H. C. M., Bosma, H., Owen, N., Schaper, N. C., Healy, G. N., & Dunstan, D. W. (2024). Associations of 24 h time-use compositions of sitting, standing, physical activity and sleeping with optimal cardiometabolic risk and glycaemic control: The Maastricht Study. Diabetologia, 67(7), 1356–1367. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-024-06145-0
Li, L., Scott, C. A., & Rothwell, P. M. (2022). Association of Younger vs Older Ages With Changes in Incidence of Stroke and Other Vascular Events, 2002-2018. JAMA, 328(6), 563–574. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.12759
NSW Active Transport Health Model Reference Outcome Values. (2024). NSW Health. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/urbanhealth/Publications/active-transport model-guide.pdf#page=4.04
My Updates
Update and Thank you!
Monday 1st SepHello Everyone,
I’m posting here to update everyone on my preparation and new departure date – this Saturday! Due to the wetter-than-normal spring conditions, I’ve pushed the walk back a week to mitigate the worst of the rain that makes some of the river crossings in the Otways near impossible. That said, I’m still anticipating some treacherous conditions and hoping my tent holds out in the wind and rain – otherwise I’m in for some extremely uncomfortable nights!
As I’ve been preparing for this walk, I’ve been reflecting on why walking means so much to me. It’s always been my constant companion for health and wellbeing never more than when Matt was recovering from his stroke. More recently, through my research and work as an urban designer, I’ve been learning more about the fascinating science behind why walking (particularly in nature) feels so transformative.
When we walk, our brains naturally boost production of powerful chemicals: serotonin (helps regulate anxiety and runaway thoughts), dopamine (intensifies creativity and our desire to make meaning), anandamide (encourages lateral thinking), and norepinephrine (regulates attention and emotional control). Simultaneously, walking reduces prefrontal cortex activity, pushing us into flow state – that magical neurochemical combination that enhances mood, creativity, and overall wellbeing. If you’d like to read more about this I recommend Perfect Motion by Jono Lineen or 52 Ways to Walk by Annabel Streets.
Over the next eight weeks, I’ll be experiencing this firsthand whilst walking and camping through some incredible landscapes. Updates will be sporadic as I’ll often be in isolated areas with limited reception, and I’ve left the laptop behind to reduce pack weight. But I’ll share photos and stories when I have signal. You can follow along on this fundraising page or follow on my Instagram: @elle_sharpie.
A massive thank you to everyone who has donated and to those joining me for sections of the walk. I’ll send details to people joining the walk soon. If you’d still like to join for a day but haven’t been in touch, please reach out for the spreadsheet with dates and distances.
Special thanks to those offering warm beds along the route – it helps keep costs down and comfort up!
Finally, I feel incredibly fortunate to spend two months doing what I love whilst sharing this journey with all of you.
Thank you,
Ellen
ShareThank you to my Sponsors
$515
Ryan Spellman
$338.31
Dad Jock And Al Mackay
Ellen this is from Dad Jock and his brothers Al we are very proud of you and wish you a safe and successful endeavour
$312.90
Dusty T
Wishing you fast feet and comfy socks! Good luck on this epic and most meaningful journey. Xox
$300
Margaret Dockray
🙏❤️
$232.18
The Clancey’s
Walking on in any weather, go Elle!
$211
Rob Mcdonald
$208.60
Stephshay
Go rim diggity!
$208.60
Mary-ann And Mark
Fantastic initiative Ellen! The blisters will be worth it in the end.
$200
Julian
$158.25
Amber Cronin
proud of you x
$144.54
James Westall
Have fun!
$144.54
Catherine Ricketts
Best of luck with your efforts Ellen Mike & Cath Ricketts
$144.54
James Westall
Have Fun!!
$144.54
Carolyn Sawyers
You’re walking for a great cause Ellen - good luck 🤞 xx
$144.54
Anne Field
Go Ellen!
$141.25
Matt Sharpe
Hey Elle. With you in Spirit - I’m really proud of what you’re doing. Remember, Snakes don’t bit above the ankle. See you at the finish line. Love Matt and Hugo xx
$137.15
Judy Harvey
It’s a big undertaking for you Ellen . Such a great gesture for Matt
$132.25
John Wills
What an incredible commitment and worthy cause. Well done for letting your boots do the talking for an important charity
$106.12
Anonymous
$106.12
Brick
Although not quite 1000 miles, Vanessa Carlton and the Proclaimers have nothing on you.
$106.12
Jaya Suartika
Inspiring!
$106.12
Jill Bailes
What a courageous undertaking Ellen and for such a great cause. I think Matt has inspired us all. Auntie Jill
$106.12
Jacqueline Tweed
Good luck on the walk Ellen, such a meaningful way to support a worthy cause! Thank you ☺️
$106.12
Fiona & Dean Bassi
Hi Ellen, all the very best for your walk later this year. You are truly an inspiration and well done for supporting Matt with his endeavours.
$106.12
Claire Holbrook
Go girl! Xxxxxx
$106.12
Caddi Hood
All the best for your very very long walk for your very very good brother. Will enjoy reading about your journey.
$106.12
Matt & Holly
Good luck, Ellen. Amazing effort!
$106.12
Luka Apps
Love you Elle, smashing it for all right reasons, Luka
$106.12
Jess And Tom
We’re so proud of you, you’re absolutely killing it. Love Tom, Jess, Bernie and Harriet
$106.12
Mariah Arvanitakis
Love your work legend xx
$106.12
Blaire & James Mclean
$106.12
Greg And Fran Ennis
Great work Ellen! Best of luck!
$106.12
Hils, Tim, Charlie, Heidi, Banj And Howie Xx
Amazing work Ellen!!!
$106.12
Philippa & Scott Cook
Huge inspiring effort!
$100
Anonymous
$83.15
Maxine Cape
Ellen you are a champion . X
$80.25
The Frawley’s
An inspiration Elle!!!
$80.25
Jill & Andrew Svencis
A Very,Very Good Sister, Ellen
$75
Anonymous
$64.67
Anonymous
This is a great thing you are doing Ellen!
$64.67
Suzie, Anthea And Kerryn
We have had the pleasure of working and becoming friends with Matt this past year, and we are proud to contribute to this meaningful cause. Good luck.
$56.66
Chris Komorek
Here's 10km for you, Ellen!
$55.18
Alicia Rentsch
Smooth sailing Ellen!
$54.12
Bacco
You are simply the best. Walk well little bae xx
$54.12
Jana & Ren
In awe of you!! So epic - congratulations xx
$54.12
Tony Mclean
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Rebecca Graham
Good job Ellen!
$54.12
Col Alexander
$54.12
Jennie Sallis
Wonderful Ellie! See you at the end of your walk!
$54.12
Mark Smith
Ellen Fantastic effort to complete such an epic trip. Really enjoyed our walk thru the Coorong last week. Great cause. Well done
$54.12
Cat Wall
$54.12
Tin Do
$54.12
Michelle Collins
$54.12
Ethan Stanbury
woo!
$54.12
Marc Tricksey
Amazing effort for a great cause
$54.12
Matthew Bateman-graham
$54.12
Tracy Vaccarella
Good luck on the walk Ellen ❤️
$54.12
Nancy Noblett
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Rob Port Macdonell
“You’ve come this far, here’s 50 bucks”
$54.12
Dan And Nina
Go Ellen! Walk that walk! From Petito and Nina
$54.12
Harriet Pudney
Immense effort, go well x
$54.12
Cape Jaffa Holiday Park
May the sea breeze be at your back, the road rise to meet you, and your showers be hot and relaxing after a big day. Sleep well - awesome job! 👏
$54.12
Alex M
Nice walk
$54.12
Chris Logie
$54.12
Tom Cooper
$54.12
Ann Corcoran
Good on you Ellie! Annie C
$54.12
Serrin Ainslie
$54.12
Sal
It was great to meet you passing by on southwest coast hike. best of luck on you mammoth hike! see you in northcote sometime
$54.12
Kelly Caporaso
❤️
$52
Nick
$50
Nj And David
Take Care Ellen
$50
Christian Lloyd
You are walking along some amazing coastline. Have fun!
$50
Lindsey Peshanoff
Best of luck with the walk Ellen! xx
$33.15
Nicole Sutton
well done what an incredible effort
$27.81
Robert Mcnaught
Good luck.
$27.81
Kemble Pudney
Great work. Really good initiative - Harriet’s folks.
$27.81
Jean
All the best for the walk Ellen!
$22.58
Jeremy Weaver
$22.58
Brendan G
Good Luck!
$22.58
Jeremy Weaver
Good luck Ellen!
$22.58
Wills Missikos
$20
Anonymous
$20
Pat Sunland
From Pat - Sunland.
$20
Rachelle Dunstan
$6.13
Leigh Kennedy
May your walk get the desired outcomes for your cause as I strongly believe in it.
