Where do we even begin? The 2024 Ladies trek through Kokoda was one of the most life changing experiences of our lives. We had a group of 23 incredible women take on the challenge to raise an astonishing $422,766. The funds raised will help to support patients diagnosed with brain cancer and to make further headway in research to find better treatments and a cure. We as the brain cancer nurses would like to express our deep gratitude to every single one of the trekkers who devoted a huge part of their lives to make a truly significant and tangible difference in the lives of those diagnosed with this awful disease. We know that our patients and their families are so grateful for their efforts for not only fundraising but also for putting their bodies on the line in taking on the physicality of Kokoda, one of the toughest treks in the world. We are also finding it difficult to even know where to begin to express our sincere gratitude to all who donated to this cause. The unwavering support that the community has shown to all of the 23 trekkers is incredibly humbling.
The trek itself was absolutely gruelling! We trekked for 10-12hrs a day and over 140km. It took us up steep mountains, across raging rivers using extremely dangerous bridges and through streams which was actually soothing on our sore joints. We went through thick mud that was unpredictably slippery, a maze of tree roots that never seemed to end, jungle so dense you couldn’t see where your foot was going to land next, and had to clench to rocks so tight in order to navigate up flowing waterfalls without falling. The steep mountain sides were unrelenting. Just when you thought you’d hit the peak and had nothing left in ‘the tank’, you still had another 3 hours of climbing, we had to push through the pain and keep going. Downhill wasn’t that much of a break either, as it was unforgiving on the knees and exhausted a surprising amount of mental energy just to keep focused on where to safely place your foot for every single step that we took.
Aside from the physical side of trekking Kokoda, we were both completely caught off guard to the emotional impact this trek would have on us. Our inspirational trekkers Cherie, Ash, Carly and Jackie were taking on Kokoda in the honour of their loved ones who had all been taken too soon. The remaining 19 trekkers would watch these women in absolute awe of their strength, grace and resilience. They took on this trek with a fire inside them. These four brave women are the epitome of what the Mark Hughes Foundation is all about, rising up for one another and creating a legacy of hope for others amongst their own devastation.
We also feel it was an absolute privilege to walk where our courageous Australian Soldiers had fought. We will forever remember the stories we were told and the feelings we felt as we stood on living memorials, finding bullets between our boots as we remembered them. There were multiple trekkers who had a family connection to the war in Kokoda, which was extremely confronting and educational, but also incredibly special. We are beyond thankful to the “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” for protecting and caring for our soldiers during the war, so that we could live in freedom today.
The true hero’s of our trek were our personal porters, our group porters and our lead tour guide Alan. They truly cared for us and our wellbeing and put their own bodies on the line to keep us safe. They motivated us every morning with a prayer, a countdown, and a “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi”. They sang to us every single night after dinner without fail, the most beautiful songs including “it’s not an easy road”. We cannot thank them enough for making us feel welcome in their home.
One of the most impactful moments for us, was truly realising that together, we as 23 individual fiercely brave women, were actually stronger together. The motivation we gave each other every step of the way, for hours on end, through tears, through utter physical and mental exhaustion, we achieved it not because of what we are each capable of as a human, but what we are capable of as a team. It was magic.
Sandy & Alisha x
