Jen Deneefe
Cause: beyondblue
Adventure: Walk for Wellbeing: Great Wall of China Trek
As our Fundraiser of the Month, Jen has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.
What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?
My dad and I had always talked about seeing the Great Wall together. In December 2017, he was diagnosed with Vascular dementia and was highly anxious about it. Around the same time, the Inspired Adventure was posted on my Facebook page and I signed up without a second thought. I felt it was the universe calling out to me to do something to highlight men’s mental health.
Had you ever been to China before?
I had only transited in various airports when I lived in Singapore.
What have been some of the highlights of your Inspired journey?
- The people of China and my tour companions. Each person had a story, and over the few days we were together many stories were generously shared.
- Seeing Tiananmen Square.
- Standing on the wall for the first time.
- The women who assisted us on day 3 of the walk. They were unbelievable and fantastic in their encouragement and support.
- Tim, the Australian guide with us! He was also a fabulously supportive and kind man.
"I felt it was the universe calling out to me to do something to highlight men's mental health."
Do you have any tips for other people currently fundraising for their Inspired Adventure?
Using social media all the time with regular posts and updates. All of my fundraising was done that way. Contact local papers, journalists, TV shows etc. Be prepared to present talks afterwards. I’ve presented at my previous school.
Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?
Considering the physical challenge of the Walk on the Wall, I think I had time to consider my body in place and time. Over the years, as I became less interested in caring for my body, I gained weight and became very unfit. I returned from the walk with renewed enthusiasm for walking and pushing my body to its limits. I have joined a local gym in Torquay and use the services of a personal instructor in order to develop strength and flexibility. I wanted to be able to focus on my legs and upper body strength, so the personal trainer designed a program of low impact cardio and resistance training for me. I am having a ball being physical again. I go to the gym 3 times a week and I walk every day. I am considering another Inspired Adventures for 2019.
"An Inspired adventure is a great way for you to feel as though you are doing something useful for society and also to help you develop yourself."
What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?
Listen to the advice of others, especially those who have completed this particular challenge. Friends who walk regularly advised me not to go, as I am unfit and have led a fairly inactive lifestyle. Do lots of stair climbing and rock walking in preparation. This walk is not a stroll on a path, but a highly demanding physical challenge that I was ill prepared for. An Inspired adventure is a great way for you to feel as though you are doing something useful for society and also to help you develop yourself. I say go for it!!
Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!
Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!
@INSPIREDADVENTURES
