Tasmanian Trek for a Worthy Cause
BY DI SNEDDON
Singleton’s Lindy Harris and Cassandra Griffin were two of 21 inspirational women who recently participated in a hike around Tasmania to raise funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
The group raised a combined $300,000 for the Foundation and both Singleton women described the experience as the most challenging and emotional of their lives, driven by a strong desire to find a cure for brain cancer.
“The Mark Hughes Foundation funds vital research and support to brain cancer patients which is why I got involved in the hike, it is a cause that is close to my heart,” well-known businesswoman Lindy Harris of Lindy Harris One Agency said afterwards.
Cassandra Griffin is the biobank and clinical research manager at Newcastle University and her research is heavily focussed on brain cancer.
The group spent up to eight hours a day walking through open woodland, into scrub battered low by the elements and finally scrambling over rocky debris and large boulders to reach the summit on the peaks of Mount Bishop and Mount Clerk, as well as the islands highest peak, Mount Maria (711m).
The group also tackled Cradle Mountain National Park, including hiking the summit of the mountain and taking in the 360‑degree panoramic views of Tasmania’s highest mountains.
Make no mistake, the hike up Cradle Mountain is not for the faint hearted, this is one tough hike.
“It was one of the most rewarding and emotional achievements I’ve ever done, and I sincerely thank the Singleton community for assisting me to raise $20,000 through financial sponsorship,” Lindy said.
Cass said she was inspired by the women she hiked alongside.
“These women are so inspirational, we all had our reasons to be involved and at times, I felt it was a case that we were being pushed up the mountain by each other and those we were hiking for,” Cass said.
Donations can still be made by visiting mhfmtmariasummit.gofundraise.com.au.