I’m going on a hike for Medical Research!

Oh look, a blog post and video on a Wednesday instead of Thursday! Sorry to throw you off, but I have opening night of a play I’m part of tomorrow, so I won’t have time to focus on anything other than that. 

So here you go: Early blog – and a different blog. Not so much to do with travel, but something very important, nonetheless.

If you haven’t heard of Lions (Aka. Lions Clubs, Lions Australia, Lions International etc) you may have been living under a rock.

These service organisations, of which there are more than 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members across the world, do incredible work in many different areas.

I’ve been a Lion for three years now, and absolutely love the work I do to help fundraise or serve in various projects for many different causes.

What I’m doing at the moment, however, is very special.

I’m competing as an entrant in the 2015-2016 Lions Medical Research Personality Quest, which aims to raise funds and awareness of the Lions Medical Research Foundation.

The Foundation funds researchers to continue their research into particular fields (A notable past recipient of LMRF funding have been Professor Ian Fraser, who created the Gardasil vaccine while under LMRF funding).

Current researchers include Dr Tracey Bjorkman, Dr Nadeeka Dissanayaka, Professor Paul Colditz, and Dr Carlos Salomon, who are conducting research into fields such as Ovarian Cancer, Premature Babies, the effect of seizures on the Newborn Baby Brain, Parkinson’s Disease, and so much more.

So many important causes for which I am proud to raise money for.

This is the second time I’ve been involved in the LMRPQ – In 2012-2013 I competed, raised $13,000, went through to the Grand Finals, met some amazing women, and had an incredible and inspirational time (It’s also how I came to be a Lions member).

This year, however, I want to do even better. I’m aiming to raise $20,000 for the Foundation.

One of the things I’m doing to get there is taking a hike. Literally.

In April, I’m going to be hiking the Historic National Nightcap National Park Trail, which lies in my region.

It’s 18km long through a national park – and while that may not seem like much to some of you, trekking 18km with a 20kg pack on your back in the wilderness as an inexperienced hiker; that’s quite daunting.

But I’m doing it for a wonderful cause that I truly believe in, and I want to do the best I can for the Foundation.

I’d love to have your support behind me: Whether it’s $5, $20, or $100, every cent counts – every bit of money raised gets us closer to new medical advancements.

Ok, my spiel is over now, but here’s the important stuff:

You can check out my fundraising page (and donate, if you are so inclined) here: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/116274/hike-for-lions-medical-research

Find out more about the Lions Medical Research Foundation here and find out more about the Lions Medical Research Personality Quest here.

If you’re local to the Northern Rivers of NSW and want to know what else you can do to support my cause, head to my Lions Club’s Facebook page.

Love xx