A Canberra hairdresser and her personal trainer are walking 160 kilometres to raise funds for and awareness of women and children who are affected by family violence, sexual abuse and neglect.
Owner of Bond Hair Religion in the ACT, Jenni Tarrant OAM, and her PT Luke Harvey, set off on their journey from Canberra to the Eurobodalla on Sunday (October 9) with the pair expected to arrive in Moruya later today (Wednesday October 12)
Jenni and Luke, through their ‘Walk the Talk’ initiative have already raised over $29,000, which will be split evenly between charities Act for Kids and Toora Women Inc.
A provider of safe refuge shelters, Toora Women Inc. helps vulnerable Women and survivors of family violence get back on their feet while Act for Kids is an Australian Children’s Charity that helps to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect.
“The pain and exhaustion of this walk is minimal compared to the physical and mental torment suffered by those surviving family violence, sexual abuse and neglect,” Jenni said.
Donations can be made through the Walk the Talk donation page at Mycause.com.au until midnight tonight.
The pair started their walk on Sunday morning and will end their gruelling journey in Moruya, on Wednesday evening, walking and average of 40 kilometres per day, rain, hail or shine.
Jenni’s sister Julie Tarrant has been in touch with the pair who are currently out of phone reception, on the final leg between Araluen and Moruya.
“Today is the last day and they’re digging pretty deep,” Julie said.
“They’ve faced some pretty significant hurdles that they hadn’t planned on including walking over 40kms on bitumen on the first day which wasn’t good for their bodies,” she said.
“They’ve also come across a landslide between Braidwood and Araluen, so walking on some pretty precarious ground.
“But they’re both amazing people, both incredibly fit and very dedicated to raising money for charity.”
Jenni is a survivor of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, and the trauma she went through resulted in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
She hopes that the ‘Walk the Talk’ initiative will help raise awareness, and bring help to women and children who are hurt, isolated and don’t feel like they have anyone to assist them.
“Jenni deliberately selects physical feats of endurance, which fall outside of her comfort zone,” said Personal Trainer, Luke Harvey.
“She always pushes herself mentally and physically during her fundraisers in order to raise awareness around the causes she is standing for,” he said.
“She loves completing them, so she can give funds raised to the vulnerable in our community.
“I am proud to walk by her side to support her every step of the way.”
Previous fundraisers Jenni has orchestrated have included the Kokoda Track, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and riding across Mongolia on a horse.
Images: Bond Hair Religion
