Amelia Burkitt

Best Year Yet

This year, I’m taking on Epilepsy Queensland’s 1 in 26 Challenge again — and I have a feeling this could be my best year yet.

My first year, I went into the challenge full of enthusiasm and determination. Unfortunately, enthusiasm is not quite the same thing as training. I discovered that fairly quickly.

The next year, I set myself the 100 km challenge but only managed 50 km. Now, 50 km is still 50 km more than I would have walked sitting on the couch, but I knew I hadn’t reached the goal I’d set for myself.

The following year, I finally cracked the 100 km. That felt fantastic — but there was still one part of the challenge I hadn’t quite conquered: the fundraising target.

So here we are again.

This year, I know what 100 km feels like. I know I need to prepare rather than relying on sheer enthusiasm. And, importantly, I’m determined to reach both goals: the kilometres and the fundraising.

The 1 in 26 Challenge gets its name from a confronting statistic: 1 in 26 Australians will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. Behind that number are real people, families and communities, and Epilepsy Queensland works to provide information, support and advocacy for people affected by epilepsy.

That’s what makes this more than a walking challenge for me.

Every kilometre I complete is part of the goal, but everyone who gets behind me becomes part of it too. If you’re able to donate, even a small amount helps push that fundraising total a little closer. If donating isn’t possible, sharing my challenge or simply cheering me on is genuinely appreciated.

I’ve had the enthusiastic year.

I’ve had the 50 km year.

I’ve had the 100 km-but-not-quite-the-fundraising year.

This year, I’m going for both.

Here’s to the best year yet.