Kokoda Fundraising Walk - April 2009
Dads Took on Kokoda Trail to Support Struggling Mums
|
Three of our Gidget Foundation supporters - David Blacker, Henry Talbot and Jarrod Bowditch bravely took on the Kokoda trail raising over $6000 for the Foundation. From April 22nd this year, the men trekked 110 kilometres in rain over ten days. They did this with one pair of jocks for the trip, two showers along the way and some trail mix and tinned food to keep them going. All funds raised from the Kokoda trek will be used to improve awareness of perinatal anxiety and depression in NSW and help to facilitate better delivery of services to women in need. The team have been training hard for nine months, dropping weight and building stamina to get fit for the adventure. |
 |
This event recognises that men are also affected by the impact of perinatal anxiety and depression - some fathers will be affected directly and many more indirectly, living with and caring for their wives and partners as they suffer from the illness.
While at least 20 percent of mothers will experience the effects of perinatal anxiety and depression, the impact of the illness can be limited with the right professional help. Funds raised by the Kokoda men will be used to promote awareness of perinatal anxiety and depression amongst women and their families, their health providers and the wider community to ensure that women in need receive timely, appropriate and supportive care. Funds will support the Gidget Midwives, providing screening for pregnant women for perinatal anxiety and depression and the Foundation’s website which provides an accessible point of contact for women, their families and health providers.
 |
 |