Its hard to be confronted with the fact that Brony is not here with me on a daily basis, I miss her smile, laughter, passion for life, energy for everything, its a feeling is compounded as I sit her and prepare for a trip that is as much hers as mine. We both enjoying walking together, running together, kyaking together, eating together. Things that can be taken for granted when everything is going OK in your world, we always said we were blessed that we learned to appreciate the little things and we gave thanks for that and being together everyday.
Walking from A to B, seems like a straight forward comment, if your talking about a simple stroll somewhere closeby. But Im realising that doing 35-40km perday is going to be a physically demanding task, although Ive been training daily ie walking 2-3 hours during the week and doing 7-8hrs on the weekend its already giving the old knees a little niggle that Im hoping will not cause anymore dramas.
Walking has been very threraputic for my mind and heart as journey through the grief process, allowing all the thoughts and emotions to roll in and out during a walk is good as it keeps it interesting, I'm definately don't get bored.
"The journey of life happens one moment at a time, we decide each moment and can create our individual journey as we want to experience it, there are too many things we have no control over, but we can control how we act upon these things that impact our journey."
Ok .. walk update... flight is booked so Im definately departing on this journey, my hope is to complete in 10weeks.
If you feel inspired to support this effort for a positive future with Breast Cancer, tax deductable donations can be made to the McGrath Foundation www.mcgrathfoundation.com , quote WalkA2B
or contact me directly if you want to help me actually get there (there is always stuff that Im going to be grateful for, happy to get any assistance) h@rhythmfactory.com.au
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
First entry
2250km Solo journey, walking from Adelaide 2 Brisbane, in the middle of summer, in memory of his wife, carrying his own gear, unaided, to raise awareness for the McGrath Foundation.
“together we can make a Difference”
2250km – solo –distance walk
“Hope for a Positive Future”
Scheduled departure date:
December 17th 2008
10.30am Victoria Square, Adelaide
(Coincides with our 3 year wedding anniversary)
“together we can make a Difference”
2250km – solo –distance walk
“Hope for a Positive Future”
Scheduled departure date:
December 17th 2008
10.30am Victoria Square, Adelaide
(Coincides with our 3 year wedding anniversary)
Raise funds on behalf of the McGrath FoundationAny funds raised on behalf of the McGrath Foundation shall help fund breast care nurses. Breast Care Nurses are specially trained nurses who act as patient advocates co-ordinating care for women with breast cancer, their families and carers.
“Through my experience with cancer, I have felt first hand the difficulties faced during this unwanted journey; it can be relentless, with many ups and downs, unknown obstacles or just difficult roads to navigate.”
The work that the McGrath foundation is doing to provide practical support for women with breast cancer and advanced breast cancer is a blessing and truly can make the lives of so many more hopeful and enjoyable on this road.
Donations can be made in person directly during the walk or contact the foundation and quote Walk A2B. http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com/
“Together We Can Make a Difference”
The reason why…In 2002 my partner aged 32 was diagnosed with Advanced Breast Cancer, 4 months later my father aged 55 was diagnosed with Advanced Lung Cancer, two of the most important people in my life were suddenly fighting for their lives far too early in our lives together. My father living in Ballina at the time was trying a trial treatment in Adelaide. On our drive from Ballina to Adelaide we joked that he would get so well that we would be able to walk back. My Dad was inspired by this and said when he got better he would walk from Adelaide to Brisbane. We used this as motivation and inspiration during his low days it would put a smile on his face when I would say were going to do it dad we will do the walk together. Unfortunately he passed away 4 months later.
I was unable to grieve for my Dad as my soon to be wife was going through so much also with cancer treatments and although still well was working hard on staying positive through building her wonderful children’s dance music and movement business “Rhythm Factory” which was exhausting but at the same time brought so much joy to the children and in return they gave her an overwhelming energy to fight the disease. We spoke many times of the idea of the walk and about doing the adventure together when she was feeling better. With a busy schedule of treatments and her decline in health there was no opportunity for an extended journey like this. Sadly she passed away in April 2008.
With my world devastated by cancer and only the pain of losing them to wake me in the morning – I wish to honour their memories and complete this 2250km journey.
My wife/friend/soulmate Bronwyn Meredith was the light in my day, my compass, my everything and the joy in so many people lives. She shared her happiness and smile with everyone and was a selfless, kind hearted and giving person. She was motivated to bring happiness and joy into the lives of children and especially wanted to return to Africa to help the orphaned Children. She also was passionate about the idea of giving people facing an Advanced Breast Cancer prognosis the dignity of hope for the future.
I will be collecting funds to go to the McGrath Foundation to help Breast Cancer patients in a practical way.
During this 2250km journey, I would also love to share a message of hope and healthy happy life habits to the communities I will pass through. Also visit hospitals and oncology patients facing the battle with cancer..
Scheduled departure date: December 17th 2008 our 3 year wedding anniversary.
More info at http://www.brony.info/
Program for the WALK
Personal details: Harald Ulriksen Age:37 Occupation: carer
17 December 2008
Depart Adelaide – Victoria Square 10.30am
Walk an average of 35 – 45km per day
Talk to as many people about Advanced Breast Cancer, raise awareness and accepting donations.
More walking…….. keep walking and talking……. Walk a bit more…….The route passes through Berri, Mildura, Hay, Dubbo, Tamworth, Lismore, Tweed heads
Over 2200km later ….
Arrive Brisbane -
The main challenge will be doing this in the middle of summer with the heat being very intense. I will endeavour to walk in the early mornings and late afternoon when the sun is less intense.
WALKfromA2B Sponsorship opportunities
To complete this project will require dedication, perseverance, endurance, stamina, and a level of belief that will encourage the daily need to maintain focus.
If these qualities in any way ring true for you or your business and you would like to assist me in this endeavour, I would welcome your interest, support and assistance either financial or in kind.
This is a self funded project that welcomes the support of corporate or private partners.
Assistance in the areas of
Equipment ie shoes, socks, glasses, camp gear
Technology ie laptop, phone, internet, website,
Nourishment ie meals, beverage, supplements
Therapy ie massage, spa,
General ie financial, promotional
If you feel compelled to assist with this journey please contact me on h@rhythmfactory.com.au or 0425 706 093
Your support can be advertised in the following ways if you wish to be known.
Advertising
As this walk is being done on a budget, advertising will be done
via word of mouth,
direct email contact to business database of over 4000,
press releases to media,
banner signage on buggy
signage on clothing
website - http://www.brony.info/walk_from_A2B.htm
Special Thanks to Current Supporters
Rhythm Factory - Dance Music Movement classes – Brony founded
http://www.rhythmfactory.com.au/
Chariot Buggy - Supplied by Simon and Lucy Wilkinson, THANKYOU. used to transport gear.
http://www.chariotcarriers.com/
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