Australind woman Danielle Goldspink has committed herself to raising funds and awareness for beyondblue by competing in the Harcourts Foundation Kokoda Challege.

She made the decision shortly after two people she knew committed suicide in the span of a week.

“I felt for everyone and wanted to do something to help people with depression,” Miss Goldspink said.

“So, before I left for my European adventure (late last year), I put on my vision board to raise awareness and money for depression.

“When I got back from my travels I came across the Harcourts Foun-dation Kokoda Challenge.”

The Kokoda trail in Papau New Guinea was part of the Pacific War during World War II.

It consisted of a series of battles over a period of six months between the Japanese and the Australians.

Miss Goldspink will leave with a group of about 25 people to walk the 96km trek over 10 days with a goal to raise $150,000 for beyondblue.

“No bathrooms, no hairdryers, no pubs – plus lots of mosquitoes, with the risk of Malaria,” she said.

“Adventure Profe-ssionals is the organisation that is looking after us on our trek, and has developed a 12 week training program for me to undertake.”

Miss Goldspink has had tremendous support from the Bunbury community already.

She has had support from the Parade Hotel on the Water, placing buckets for donations around the pub.

So far they have raised $1300.

“Depression can hit any community,” Miss Goldspink said.

“The money is in no way for me, it all goes directly to beyondblue.

“We all need to work towards raising awareness for depression and creating a support network in our community.”

To donate to beyondblue through ‘mycause’ visit www.myc-ause.co-m.au/mycause/rais e_money/fundraise.php?id=42911 or visit the grand final of the Miss Summer Parade modelling competition this Sunday afternoon.

If any businesses and organisations are interested to help raise money for beyondblue, contact the Bunbury Mail on 9722 5555 or keep an eye out for upcoming fundraiser events.