After walking more than 120 kilometres from Walgett to Coonamble in August, Nessy McClean is preparing to hit the highway again, this time heading from Walgett to Lightning Ridge to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.
Nessy’s next Paint the Highway Pink fundraising walk will take place on Thursday, 15 October, supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation and encouraging communities across the region to get behind an important cause.
The journey also carries a deeply personal significance.
October 15 marks 30 years since Nessy’s stepfather, Mark A. Cooper, was killed in a mining accident at Wyoming, near Lightning Ridge, in 1996.
By undertaking the walk on the anniversary of his death, Nessy hopes to honour his memory while raising hope, support and awareness for breast cancer patients, survivors and their families.
No stranger to a long walk
In August, Nessy completed the 120.30-kilometre journey from Walgett to Coonamble over three days, clocking up more than 27 hours of walking.
During that journey, she spoke with 2WEB about the tremendous support she was receiving from people along the Castlereagh Highway.
Describing her progress in typical country fashion, Nessy said she was travelling along “like a little old bastard tractor, just chugging away, getting the job done.”
She was particularly touched by the encouragement from passing motorists and residents who stopped to offer support.
“Lots of waves, lots of people stopping and talking. We’ve had a few donations on the road. It’s unbelievable,” she told 2WEB.
For Nessy, the motivation behind the walks comes from seeing how breast cancer affects people in small rural communities.
“When you grow up in a small country town, you know everybody. And nearly every second person you meet knows someone who’s affected,” she said.
“Every dollar they give can help save lives and make a difference.”
Community support needed
With her next challenge approaching, Nessy is calling on residents and businesses across the region to help make the walk possible.
She’s seeking support with suitable walking shoes and socks, an escort vehicle and driver for safety, assistance with promotional materials and advertising, and businesses willing to sponsor a kilometre of the journey.
There are also opportunities for people to help paint the highway pink and raise awareness of the campaign.
Nessy is encouraging anyone who wants to participate to walk, run or ride alongside her for part of the journey.
Even those unable to take part can help by wearing pink, sharing the fundraiser or making a donation.
The walk will begin at the Walgett Post Office on Thursday, 15 October, with Nessy making her way towards Lightning Ridge.
Following the overwhelming community support during her August journey to Coonamble, Nessy is hoping the same country spirit will shine through once again.
As she puts it, every second, every minute, every hour and every step is for the fighters, survivors, families affected by breast cancer and those who have lost their lives to the disease.
To support Nessy’s Paint the Highway Pink fundraiser click here.