Overcome Depression through Walking
Raise awareness about depression and loneliness in the Waitaki District.
Otago
I moved in Oamaru, the Waitaki 9 months ago with a partner from Auckland. Within 3 weeks of her joining me in the Waitaki our relationship ended. She left and I stayed.
For a few months after that, I found myself in no-man land. Without a common face to make me laugh or tell me life will be okay, it's just a break up! I slept for 2-3 hrs/day. I drunk and smoked more than usual. life became hell. If it was anywhere else, I would have just left my job and move back to Auckland, Wellington or Palmerston North, where my family and friends are based. Given up on a job that I have worked and study so hard for.
I walked day and night to find a purpose to life again, be happy again. Likely for me the Waitaki District has a beautiful landscape and a small population. So my walks never get boring and I always came across a familiar face.
In the community I found a reason to belong. The boys at football never stopped pulling my shirt with jokes to make me smile, they made my days with moments like awarding me the "man of the match" award. They called me to come around ref their games just to get me out of my comfort zone.
In nature I found a place for peace. Just listening to penguins peep or ocean waves batter the shores of Kakanui or Oamaru Harbour at dawn or nightfall gave me a reason to find myself again because slowly I was smiling and thanks to this place and community, I am happier than ever.
With globalization loneliness and depression are bigger than ever but my community helped me belong and gave me a reason to fight for them whenever I can.
I was recently accepted to walk the Alps2Ocean Ultra Competition that goes from 21st - 29th of February 2020. A walk that goes from Mt Cook to Oamaru Harbour (323km).
I am doing this to raise awareness to the people of the Waitaki that walking and getting out of your comfort zone alone can help with depression and loneliness.
I need $2499 to enter the competition by Monday 9th of December. So far I have received a few minor support from friends and family, including $200 of Mayoral Funds from the Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher toward this cause.
For everyone who will support this cause, I will print your name on my walking uniform and if you are in Oamaru on the last day of the race, I would love to get your signature on my jersey.
Depression and loneliness are causing more and more harm in our families so please help me spread the words
Thanks
Use of funds
Please check the link below to see what the funds will be used for
http://www.alps2oceanultra.com/news
Any extra funds or if the goal is not reached the money raised will be donated to the Waitaki Community Mental Health Service.
Latest update
We did it! 10 March 2020
Hi All,
I would like to just say thanks heaps to everyone who helped me raised the money to participate in the Alps2Ocean Ultra to raise awareness about depression.
For 7 days we walked/run 330km, from Mt Cook to the coastal town of Oamaru in Otago.
Starting the race with a 60km journey which took us from Mt Cook Village across the Tasman River climbing through the Burnett Mountain Range (highest peak 1000m) across DOC and private farm lands. Down the Tekapo Canal to Lake Pukaki to our camping ground at Jan's Beach.
Stage 2 started at Jan's Beach to Lake Middleton (50km). Going through Lake Pukaki Shoreline Walk, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, the dams and following the A2O Cycle Trail to Lake Middleton across Twizel and the Ohau River and Canal.
Stage 3 (90km) started at Lake Middleton to the Benmore Dam. This was the toughest day and the most mentally challenged day by far.
The race started with a steady claim to the Quailburn Lookout (900m) through Lake Ohau Lodge, up Ben Ohau Range across a few streams, which were handy for fresh drinkable water. Down to the Quailburn Woolshed, across the Ahuriri Conservation Land famous for the making of the latest Mulan movie due to be release in March this year. Then Up again the Clay Cliffs, down through Omarama along the A2O Cycle Trail to Benmore Lake. Then steep ups (800m) and downs again to the Benmore Dam through Pass Peak and Boundary Gully. This stage took me 25hrs to complete with 4 breaks of 30 minutes between check points.
Stage 4 was 45km with the most and steep climbs to do. Due to blisters, injuries and hot days in the previous stages, about 15 people gave up before the beginning of Stage 4. Those of us who were ready to continue, started at Benmore Dam up Peninsula Walk, across the dam, up the Te Akatarerwa Stream (830m), down to the main road along the Lake Aviemore. Up Deep Stream Walk, climbing the Kirkliston Range (1116m) on the south side with a beautiful view of the Waitaki Dam and the St Marys Range. Before going down hill to the Waitaki River and into Kurow.
Staged 5 and 6 were 55 & 28km and we followed the A2O cycle trail from Kurow to Oamaru Harbour.
By the end of stage 5, 22 of the 132 of us dropped out of the race. Finishing the whole competition was my biggest achievement to date and I am so thankful to all my colleagues, friends and family who supported me along.
In summary, the whole thing was mentally challenging and I will probably do it again if I have an opportunity to do it again. The good news, we did it and it's all thanks to all you legends out there who helped by giving your money for a cause you believe worth raising alarm abut.
Please find attached images
Thank you all
Chancel (Ali)
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