Melissa Wu and Chris Barton. Photos supplied by Chris Barton
‘Steps For Love of Living’ is proud to announce this year’s four-day suicide prevention awareness walk from Newcastle to Sydney (226km) over 10-13 September.
Charity walker extraordinaire and founder of the ‘Charlotte’s Wish Walk Week’ Chris Barton and MMA fighter Rama Patterson (co-owner of Bakery Bros at The Orchard) will cover the entire 226km walk over four days, with overnight stops at sponsoring hotels The Quest Newcastle, The Ibis at The Entrance, The Anglers Rest Hotel at Brooklyn and Novotel Parramatta. Tyson Pedro (MMA / Bakery Bros) was also planning to walk but withdrew due to a serious leg injury sustained in his most recent fight.
The South Lakes Roosters Junior Rugby League team will walk with Chris and Rama on Day One, from Newcastle to The Entrance, in tribute to their 12-year-old teammate Alisha “Ali” Rush, who recently took her life following the loss of her father last year.
A group of elite athletes, internationally recognised professionals, survivors, families, and community groups will join Chris and Rama on Day Four, from Parramatta to Penrith, in a united stand against suicide. This group will include Arlene “Anger Fist” Blencowe – former two-time professional Women’s Boxing World Champion; Melissa Wu – Australia’s most decorated Olympic diver; Dr Charlie Teo – world-renowned Neurosurgeon; Gaetano Bonfante – Acclaimed vocalist known for performing for Andrea Bocelli.
Participants are walking in memory of loved ones lost to suicide and to raise awareness of the urgent need for stronger mental health support across Australia.
Their involvement reflects the growing national momentum behind ‘Steps For Love of Living’ and the ‘The Australian Man Cave Support Group’.
The walk carries deep personal significance for several families and community groups: Kelly and Matt O’Brien (parents of Charlotte O’Brien) will walk in honour of their daughter. These two amazing people were the force behind Social media reforms. Kelly and Matt are also honoured to represent Jodie and Monty Chue, in memory of their daughter Corrine Lee Chue, who passed away four years ago.
Peter Dwyer, former police officer and three-time suicide survivor, will join the walk to share his lived experience and ongoing commitment to suicide prevention.
The four-day journey will conclude on Sunday 13 September at the Penrith Paceway, with a major community finale concert, which is free to attend. A large turnout from ‘Old Skool Muscle Cars’, supported by Bugsy Isaac and members of OMCC, will help create a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
To close the event, suicide survivor and Australia’s Original Country Outlaw Col Finley will perform a free concert, featuring his latest hit single “Shiver”.
Residents from the Blue Mountains, Nepean, Blacktown and Hawkesbury districts are encouraged to attend the concert, which will commence at 1pm
Lou Greco, President & Founder – The Australian Man Cave Support Group and Chris Barton, Founder – Step Into Action Foundation, together form Steps For Love of Living, which continues to grow as a national movement, dedicated to hope, remembrance and action. https://stepsforloveofliving.com.au/
The Lions Club of Penrith is also heavily involved with the Newcastle-Penrith Walk and will be providing a free breakfast at each location over the four days.
