To reduce the stigma of suicide and raise funds for police mental health services after her policeman husband Tony took his own life last year.
And while the 3000km walk is all about spreading the message and talking to local police officers along the way, there was one quick stop Donna had to make first when she hit Echuca.
‘‘I had to go to Athletes Foot and get a couple of new pairs of shoes,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m usually a size 5 but because my feet are swollen by the end of the day, they don’t fit so I had to get some bigger ones.’’
She has already gone through about three pairs since she started in Geelong on March 18; the first anniversary of Tony’s death.
Since then she has racked up 1800km, meaning she has 1200km left to go as she heads to Wangaratta and back down to Geelong.
‘‘It’s a little daunting and yesterday (April 22) was my husband and my anniversary so that was a really crap day,’’ she said.
‘‘I think I cried the whole 40km.’’
However, she said the overall experience had been positive.
‘‘I hope I’m spreading the message. I’ve been talking to local police along the way which has been great,’’ she said.
‘‘By reducing the stigma of suicide, then people are more likely to talk about it and hopefully there will be less suicides.’’
Sergeant Liam Maher of Echuca police praised Donna for her efforts.
‘‘I think it’s a fantastic thing and is appreciated by all the members and retired members to raise publicity for this cause,’’ he said.
As of Tuesday, Those Left Behind walk had raised more than $20,000 of a $1 million target.
You can donate to https://au.gofundme.com/jh62tv-those-left-behind
■If you need support, contact Lifeline on 131 114, Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or visit beyondblue.org.au
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