WARREN Wright from Tamworth is more than half way through his mission to walk 4000 kilometres to raise awareness for mental health.
The personal trainer and ex-nurse began his journey on September 9, with a goal to walk to Adelaide and back.
To date, he has been on the road for 11 weeks and clocked over 2500 kilometres on foot.
He plans to be home by December 21 and passed through the Mallee last weekend, visiting the towns Manangatang, Tooleybuc and Balranald along the way.
“I had a beautiful lunch at the Balranald aged care home and visited a very special lady who is 100 years old,” Mr Wright told The Guardian.
“I’ve been getting pretty homesick but when you meet good people, those thoughts just disappear — that’s what it’s all about.”
Mr Wright said the aim of his journey was to raise awareness for Beyond Blue, a cause close to his heart.
“I’ve suffered depression most of my life,” he said.
“Our mental health goes in stages just like the drought. I denied it for a long time before I finally came out last year.
“You’ve got to lead by example and doing this walk has been the best thing.”
A solo expedition, Mr Wright has travelled the road to Adelaide and back with his trail buggy ‘Bluey’ carrying a sleeping bag, first aid kit, tent, cooker, box of food and vitamins.
He described his journey as challenging but exciting.
“I’ve had a lot of up and down experiences,” he said.
“Some days have been really tough and the middle patches were testing. I’ve cried but I’ve been happy and it’s been a real learning curve.
“When I started this journey I didn’t know what to expect but my eyes have been opened and I’ve experienced things I never thought I would have.”
He said the highlight of his trip had been “seeing nature at its best” and “the generosity and kindness” of people along the way.
“The sponsorship and kindness I have received has just been unbelievable,” he said.
“I’ve had people put me up for free, donate food and water and more than doubled my goal of raising $1500. I feel great about it.”
Mr Wright said his journey had stimulated him to encourage everyone “to get out and see the world”.
“Get outside your square, see the world and stand up on your own two feet,” he said.
“I’ve been through three pairs of shoes, slept on park benches, at bus stops but I know my life will be better for it.”
Once home, Mr Wright said he was looking forward to settling back in at Tamworth before preparing for the Iron Man challenge next year.
“I want to continue what I started,”he said.
“I want to keep building and raise more money for Beyond Blue.
“The more people that know about Beyond Blue, the greater their impact, so please spread the word and share my page with your friends and family.”
To follow Warren’s journey, visit his Facebook page ‘Wazza ultimate 4000kms journey for mental depression and cancer’.
