Major milestone for Choosing Hope walk

This year’s Choosing Hope Central Coast walk will be a major milestone for the annual event which is marking its 10th year.

Families and friends are invited to join the local, grassroots event, to walk to honour and remember in support of bereaved families and to raise awareness of pregnancy and infant loss.

“With it being our 10th year, it certainly holds a greater significance and celebration of what our Central Coast walk has evolved into both locally and nationally,” volunteer event co-ordinator Trish Thomas said.

“It all started in 2016, when I lay in a hospital bed at John Hunter Hospital beside my stillborn son, dreaming of a space where I could feel understood and not isolated; a place where others who had experienced infant loss could come together and support one another.

“Later that year, with the support of the national non-profit Bears of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, I co-ordinated the first remembrance walk and walked beside others who too understood this loss and grief.

“That event has grown into a national staple for the organisation, with participants over the years walking millions of steps, raising over $800,000 for Bears of Hope, and honouring the lives of hundreds of babies.

“Fundraising is never an expectation; it’s simply giving the opportunity for those who feel moved to contribute.

“To have raised over $800,000 collectively through the event I created for my boy is truly astounding.

“It’s an incredible joy to have played a part.”

She said the day would allow those attending to take the time to join in a purposeful gathering to share space with others in grief, healing and stories, allowing connection and support to grow as a result of meeting together at the event.

“It’s about the shared experience of coming together,” Thomas said.

“We don’t have a set fundraising target; it’s never been about reaching a number.

“Our focus is simply on creating the opportunity for people to give back if they wish: to support others, to pay it forward and to help future bereaved families who will sadly walk this same path.

“Some participants may one day seek support, care, counselling or community through Bears of Hope, so any funds raised are a way to honour that journey.”

Choosing Hope Central Coast will be held on Saturday, October 18, with hundreds of participants walking along the Tuggerah foreshore from Long Jetty to The Entrance, followed by a remembrance service and flower release.

The walk starts at 3pm at Long Jetty Reserve and finishes at 5pm at Picnic Point.

Pre-registration is essential and tickets are available online.

Inquiries to choosinghope@bearsofhope.org.au and tickets are available at www.choosinghope.com.au