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  "Country to Coast Walk" for Depression Awareness

The 18th of April 2009 Rod Cheney intends to start a journey that will start in Cockburn SA, cross NSW through Broken Hill and end up in my home town of Newcastle (1470 kilometres’ and 30 days later) raising money for The Black Dog Institute.
Rod 39 and lives in Newcastle, NSW and is married to a wonderful woman Lara. Rod is the father of 6 beautiful children (5 girls and 1 boy) and was born in the small town of Blayney in the central tablelands and at the age of 16 moved to the Hunter Valley and started to call Newcastle home.
In September 2007, Rod lost his brother Michael to depression and prior to this an uncle on his mother’s side, Peter.
Rod said: Although I have never experienced depression myself, others in my family continue to live with depression and deal with impact this has on their lives.
Rods brother Michael was supported by many people and organisations. One that provided considerable support was the Black Dog Institute.
Rods mission is to walk across NSW (1470kms) to raise money for Black Dog Institute to continue their work in supporting people with depression and their loved ones.

This journey he intends to walk. The walk will take approx 30 days walking 50-60 Klm’s per day. Rod’s father Clive (Sooty) will be his support person following me every day towing our home for a month (a caravan).

Rod is depending upon community support in raising donations for this cause.

Rod is walking across NSW to;
Emphasise the benefits of fitness in reducing the effects of depression
Raise funds for Black Dog Institute so that they can continue their support of people with depression and their families
Acknowledge the loss of my brother by celebrating his life with my family as they support me on this journey.
This ‘walk’ is something I feel very passionately about and would appreciate your support.