Community support will motivate Sarah Macfarlane-Eagle as she walks nearly 2400 kilometres around Japan in 2012 to raise awareness of mental health issues. The committee of Walking Feat Inc has been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm from local sponsors and the Armidale community who have rallied around Sarah as she prepares for the launch of Walking Feat on Saturday, November 5, at 6.30pm at Lazenby Hall, UNE.
Local sponsors, including Joc Coventry from Armidale Outdoors, are playing a key role in supporting Sarah during her next long-distance walk to promote awareness of mental health issues in memory of her brother Ben who died as a result of mental illness.
Joc has kindly donated a day backpack, to assist Sarah in her training for the trek across Japan. He will also supply Sarah with all the hiking gear she will require while walking for three months in 2012. Armidale Retravision has provided Sarah with a new camera to document her journey.
The Walking Feat Launch will feature keynote speaker and 2010 Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry, as well as guest speakers Dr Paul Morgan, Deputy Director of SANE Australia, and Sarah McFarlane-Eagle, founder of Walking Feat. On the night, Sarah will speak of her experiences of coping with mental health issues within her family, as well as her third long-distance walk across Japan.
Community members wishing to attend the Walking Feat Launch are encouraged to send their RSVP as soon as possible to walkingfeatreply@gmail.com. Entry is by donation and everyone is welcome.
