Supported by KCGM, Saracen Mineral Holdings and Ausdrill, their Black Dog Blue Dog Walk saw Todd Belcher and Charlotte McCully cross the finish line of an epic 630 km journey from Kalgoorlie to Perth, to raise awareness of mental health.
Northam Shire President Chris Antonio joined Todd and Charlotte for 14 km of their epic journey.
Known to many as ‘Grumpy’, KCGM’s Todd Belcher had battled depression for most of his life and decided earlier in the year to ‘not just keep the Black Dog on the leash, but train it to do as it’s told’.
Embarking on a mission to raise awareness of mental illness in the mining industry, Todd planned the two-week trip along with a six-month campaign to spread his message, whilst aiming to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute.
Beginning at Centennial Park in Kalgoorlie on 1 September, Todd and partner Charlotte McCully were joined by their loyal companions – one black, the other blue – dogs Sally and Pearl. A workplace friend saw them off on their journey, walking her pram for the first 4 km with them.
Arriving from their first day in Coolgardie, the pair were surprised by generous donations from the owner of the Denver City Hotel and a welcome stranger with a story to tell in the caravan park.
Through various outback communities along the way, Todd and Charlotte were regularly joined by other walkers in an effort to spread the message, and often surprised by the kindness of strangers.
“A lady who saw us walking did a big U-turn and came back to give us some freshly chopped veggies and avocado dip for a snack,” Todd said.
Despite both suffering from trouble with blisters, the quartet soldiered on, sometimes walking 45 km stretches. Todd and Charlotte said they found joy in the beautiful countryside and basked in the simplicity of bush camping. Various friends and family dropped in to help to spur them onward, bringing care packages loaded with chocolate and first aid supplies.
“The amazing thing was the community support from all the wheatbelt towns. That kept us going for sure,” he added.
Northam Shire President Chris Antonio joined them on Day 13, walking for 14 km.
“What a humble, enthusiastic and committed man. He showed a huge interest in what we were doing and our reason why and promoted our walk throughout the town of Northam where we got great community support,” Todd said.
Looking back at the epic journey, Todd said it was a real life lesson.
“Any discomfort we felt only helped remind us that there are people who live with way worse every day. Did we raise awareness? Did we help some people along the way? I think so,” he said.
On what would be an emotional Day 15, Todd and Charlotte crossed their finish line of 630 km with the realisation of completing their goal. Walking into the Perth CBD, they were surrounded by their support team of friends and family, before diving into a hearty lunch to celebrate. The walk raised almost $29,000 for the Black Dog Institute.
“Any regrets? None. Would I do it again? When do we start!” Todd concluded.