About
Support our team and empower local youth!
We’ve signed up for the Kokoda Challenge… which is a 96km hike. Yes, you read that correctly. 96 kilometres. On purpose.
At the time of signing up, we were feeling motivated, inspired, and clearly not thinking things through.
Fast forward to now, and we’ve realised this involves:
• Hills (a lot of them)
• Blisters (inevitable)
• Sleep deprivation
• Questioning every life decision that led us here
There is a very high chance that at around the 60km mark, one of us will be dramatically declaring “I can’t go on” while still… going on.
But in between the suffering, snacks, and mild regret, we’re doing this for a genuinely great cause.
We’re raising funds for youth programs that help young Australians build resilience, confidence, and leadership skills — which is ironic, because we’ll be out there trying to remember how to walk in a straight line.
These programs make a real difference, and that’s what’s going to keep us moving when our legs have officially clocked out.
If you’d like to support us, we’d be incredibly grateful. Every donation helps — and honestly, knowing people are backing us will make it much harder for us to quit (so you’re basically holding us accountable).
If donating’s not your thing, moral support is also welcome — especially messages like “you chose this” and “keep going”.
Thanks for being part of this slightly unhinged journey. We’ll keep you updated… assuming we make it back.
Pray for our legs 🙏
My Updates
7 Weeks to go!!
7 weeks to go… which feels both like plenty of time and absolutely no time at all 😅
As if signing up for the Kokoda Challenge 96km wasn’t already a questionable life choice, I’m doing it alongside a triathlete, an adventure racer and a marathon runner… and then there’s me… mid 40’s, usually more of a leisurely bush walk and picnic type, wondering how things escalated this quickly.
Training is technically “underway”… if by underway you mean I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about training, rearranging my schedule around training, and congratulating myself for owning activewear. Actual physical activity is still more of a future goal at this stage 😬
At this stage the plan seems to be confidence, vibes, and hoping muscle memory kicks in for something I’ve never actually done. What could possibly go wrong?
Plenty of time… right? 👀
Thank you to my Sponsors
$106.12
Kate H
$106.12
Four Wall’s Renovations
Desiree, enjoy the experience, look forward to hearing all about the challenge. We are all proud of you!
$60.13
Nana And Pop
We won't feel the pain but think of the gain. Love Nana and Grandpop.
$54.84
Kelly Young
Best of luck Des!🫶
$54.84
Sandy Tuhou
You've got this girl
$54.84
Liz Steyaert
Good luck you will ace it!
$54.84
Big Sis
Go #teamdijk
$54.84
Secret Supporter
Bloody awesome commitment, give it hell!
$54.84
Clinton Parker
$54.84
Jo Cruickshank
Amazing Desiree! So proud of you!! Xxx


Go girl! X