10,000 steps and more for Ian’s mental health walk

FOR Wonthaggi resident Ian Gelling, walking more than 100km regularly may be a great way to stay in shape, but now it has a special purpose.

During October for Mental Health Month, Ian is aiming to walk 150km as part of One Foot Forward which kicked off on Sunday, October 1, with the Black Dog Institute calling on Australians to take a stand in solidarity with those experiencing symptoms of mental illness. 

Participants are encouraged to walk, run or roll 40km, 60km, 100km or 150km between October 1-31 to highlight the 1 in 5 Australians impacted by mental illness and help raise funds for crucial research and support services at Black Dog Institute.

Impressively, Ian has already clocked up more than 200km raising over $300 towards his $680 goal.

Ian decided to partake this year as he already walks a huge amount of kilometres each week.

“I walk about 100km each week, and I thought I may as well walk for a purpose,” he told the Sentinel-Times.

“I’ve lost people close to me from suicide and I know quite a few people who have had major mental health issues, so I’ve seen a lot firsthand.

“I also had a brain tumour about eight years ago and my recovery from that, physically and mentally, was very challenging.”

Ian clocks up his steps by walking along the Great Southern Rail Trail.

“I do that and other Gippsland rail trails, it’s a good way of discovering more of Gippsland and its little towns,” he said.

Ian hopes his efforts will encourage others to take mental health seriously.

“The more that people are aware of themselves and others’ suffering, the more they’re able to address it early before it becomes life threatening,” he said.

Ian moved to Wonthaggi during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and it didn’t take him long to embrace the incredible lifestyle that the town and wider Bass Coast has to offer.

He has also been involved with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation where he received cancer treatment.

“I’ve done a lot of work with them in their walks and spoke at public engagements, telling my story and raising awareness,” he said.

To support Ian’s journey, visit onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/iangelling