Twenty-nine-year-old former Tanja resident and Bega High School student Lachlan Curry, is passionate about helping people suffering from depression and anxiety.
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While living in London and working in event management, Mr Curry will be walking the 850 kilometre El Camino de Santiago in Spain this month and raising money for mental health advocacy organisation beyondblue.
“I have decided to do this hike to raise money for something that is very close to my heart, which is mental illness,” Mr Curry said ahead of the 32 day hike.
“Mental illness is one of the biggest challenges people face and growing up in a small country town in Australia, I have witnessed many people close to me suffer through this terrible illness and unfortunately not all have survived this battle.”
Mr Curry will be walking between 20 and 40 kilometres each day along the route winding its way through Northern Spain to the historic cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
“I would say the challenge would be the sheer distance of the hike, because it will be both physically challenging and mentally challenging to keep walking the long distances everyday, especially as I will be doing it alone,” he said.
Mr Curry has already raised over $1400 of his $5000 target on crowdfunding website everydayhero.
“I have never sustained that distance for more then a few days in a row before,” he said.
“The first couple of days are through the French Alps, so that will be very hard start as it will be very steep.
“I am trying to train my body in the best ways possible to minimise the physical problems I may face.”
The hike will also be mentally tough, but Mr Curry has been in training for the tough conditions he may face along the way.
“I believe if I keep thinking of why I am doing it, which is to raise money and awareness for mental illness then that should help to get me through,” he said.
“Hopefully I will receive messages and donations along the way which would be a great help also.”
The Camino de Santiago began as a pilgrimage route, and has been increasing in popularity with hikers and cyclists from all over the world in recent years.
Also known as The Way of St. James, it was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during the Middle Ages, along with routes to Rome and Jerusalem.
