A BIRTHDAY celebration with a big difference marked the special occasion when a local resident joined the first leg of the three day walk from Beechworth to Bright B2B walk last Friday.
For Beechworth's Joan Simms the idea started with the date where she said so often one is asked about birthday plans.
With an admiration for B2B founder Lisa Cartledge, who she has known for 16 years, Joan said has quietly praised B2B, its purpose and how it achieves its goals of supporting mental health.
By sending an email to a few friends saying 'I am walking, do you want to come too?' – 11 friends jumped in.
The team had been among 77 walkers who stepped off from Beechworth for the trek along the rail trail.
"Our little team finished the 20 kilometre stretch from Beechworth to Everton on a lovely autumn day," Joan said.
"Lisa and the B2B committee are to be commended as the event is powerful in its purpose and meaning."
Joan said she recommended everyone to consider signing up next year for one or all three days.
"I am better for walking and talking about the importance of mental health for me and for my community," she said.
Lisa said registrations of more than 350 walkers had been up on last year's walk but the actual number of walkers had been slightly down.
Walkers hailed from the Blue Mountains in NSW, Sydney, Bowral, Gisborne, Melbourne with good support by Beechworth.
"We even had virtual walkers sending updates from the Middle East which was pretty cool," Lisa said.
"Highlights were the chats, laughter and banter along the trail, the conversations, motivation and encouragement from walker to walker.
"And to have returning walkers from near and far and then to hear them say we will see you next year was great."
A delighted Lisa said positive comments included the event being well organised.
"From the logistics guys Pat, Danny and Cuppy – getting us all safely across The Great Alpine Road crossings, Gareth from North East Water having fresh water to fill up water bottles at anytime, to the porta loos that followed us along the trail.
"Morning tea and lunches were all set up for our arrival at various points too."
Among many supporters had been Beechworth and Myrtleford Rotary clubs as well as Bright Lions for lunches, Sally from Tastetrekkers and Suzie Zwar for the morning teas and Tom and Erin Powell for apples.
Others included Dysons, The Everton Hotel, North East Water and David Bedggood for the use of his ute over the three days.
Lisa said volunteers Pat Hayden, Peter (Cuppy) Collie, Danny Fitzpatrick, De Rowbottom, Neil and Robyn Funston, Jake Lancaster Photography had also been great support.
"And the awesome committee that pull it together every year – Sally Hayden, Jenny Chambeyron, Jo Westra, Julie Banks, Mads Quirk and John Sheehan," she said.
"A supportive and all inclusive community event, this year's walk has been a great success."
For more information about not–for–profit Beechworth to Bridge (B2B) with its an ongoing goal of walking for mental health and suicide awareness visit the website at b2b.org.au.
