Emmerson's Dunedin Marathon

My name is Cherie McKinnon. I have a lovely hubby Duncan, and a very tall wee man, Josh. Plus a cat, Suzy.

I am doing the half marathon this year to help Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA) provide advocacy and awareness through their training seminars and resources. They have great connections and tools for care providers who are supporting families with anxiety & depression due to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting.

After having my delightful son 14 years ago, I ended up having postnatal depression. I ended up slipping through the cracks as it was not picked up quickly enough. My dream is to set up a Mums and Bubs place to support mums, their new born, and their families.

As I was returning to Polytech part-time to continue my studies as an Enrolled Nursing student, I had some spare time up my sleeve so I decided to get back into walking. I keep track of my walks by using the app, Map my Walk. I will be walking the Emerson’s Dunedin Half Marathon for my mental health and wellbeing. It is a stress release from student work and study.

I was at a PADA seminar earlier this year and as I was looking through their booklet, I saw that money has been raise for them. This gave me the idea to do the same. Two ideas came together. Walking the half marathon and fundraising. Since the end of February, I have been, ‘pounding the pavement for PADA’ and for every 10km I walk $1.00 goes towards this charity.