Coles Forster store support manager Penni Darcy is planning to climb Mount Kosciuszko in an effort to raise money for mental health awareness.
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On March 9, Ms Darcy will summit Australia’s highest peak alongside 10 other Coles store managers from around the State in the hope of raising $8500 for the R U OK? foundation.
R U OK? is an Australian suicide prevention charity that reminds people that having meaningful conversations with mates and loved ones can save lives.
While the climb is being organised by a store manager from Sydney, Ms Darcy said she was keen to get involved in the project after enduring her own struggles with anxiety and depression.
“I suffered for 10 years or more,” she admitted.
“For me it’s very personal to try and reach out and help people because I’ve been there.”
Ms Darcy, who has called Forster home for the last 16 years, has been walking between six and 10 kilometres a day in preparation for the 18 kilometre climb.
For me it’s very personal to try and reach out and help people because I’ve been there.
- Penni Darcy
Since undergoing back surgery in 2015, she said walking had become her primary source of exercise and the fresh air and beautiful scenery that greeted her on her regular routes around Bennetts Head, Pilot Hill and Main Beach helped her a lot mentally.
Asked what she was looking forward to most about the journey, Ms Darcy said it was undoubtedly the opportunity to create more awareness around mental health in her local area.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to help a number of people going through tough times and I just want people to know there is help available.”
Ms Darcy is the ambassador for mental health at Coles Forster and said the support from her fellow staff members had been awesome.
Currently the group have raised approximately $2000 for the R U OK? foundation but Ms Darcy said they expected to raise a lot more by the time of the climb.
If you would like to support the cause, donate online at Conquer Kozi