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
Thank you to my Sponsors
$338.31
Dad Jock And Al Mackay
$312.90
Dusty T
Wishing you fast feet and comfy socks! Good luck on this epic and most meaningful journey. Xox
$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
$144.54
James Westall
Have fun!
$144.54
Carolyn Sawyers
You’re walking for a great cause Ellen - good luck 🤞 xx
$137.15
Judy Harvey
It’s a big undertaking for you Ellen . Such a great gesture for Matt
$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
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
Blaire & James Mclean
$106.12
Hils, Tim, Charlie, Heidi, Banj And Howie Xx
Amazing work Ellen!!!
$106.12
Philippa & Scott Cook
Huge inspiring effort!
$80.25
The Frawley’s
An inspiration Elle!!!
$75
Anonymous
$56.66
Chris Komorek
Here's 10km for you, Ellen!
$54.12
Bacco
You are simply the best. Walk well little bae xx
$54.12
Tony Mclean
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Jennie Sallis
Wonderful Ellie! See you at the end of your walk!
$54.12
Nancy Noblett
$54.12
Ann Corcoran
Good on you Ellie! Annie C
$54.12
Serrin Ainslie
$54.12
Kelly Caporaso
❤️
$50
Nj And David
Take Care Ellen
$27.81
Jean
All the best for the walk Ellen!
$22.58
Brendan G
Good Luck!
$22.58
Wills Missikos
$20
Ellen this is from Dad Jock and his brothers Al we are very proud of you and wish you a safe and successful endeavour