I will walk 500 miles (or 100 kms)

Most people would call walking 76 kilometres in 15 hours a once-in-a-lifetime effort, but Amy has decided not only to do it again but to increase it to 100 kilometres.

After promising herself she would never attempt the challenge again, she is back into training and almost ready to go.

“I’ve already walked 76kms in 15 hours for this charity and said that I wouldn’t do it again, but I’m ready to push it to 100kms,” Amy said.

Amy joined the mobilisation team at HES in 2023 and first signed up for the Up All Night walk in 2024 “for fun.”

She said she only managed half the distance that year because she had not prepared properly. But things changed when her baby niece arrived last January and the charity became much more personal.

With new inspiration, Amy returned in 2025 and completed the walk in just shy of 8 hours.

“I’ve just decided that I enjoy pushing myself in a different way to the gym, and knowing it’s for families who may struggle with sick children, it makes it a no-brainer,” Amy said.

And so, in March of 2026, she will be back on the road once again for Ronald McDonald’s Up All Night, this time with an additional challenge.

Training for 2026 has already begun, and while her legs are still a little shaky, there is definitely a lot of progress. And this time, she has the lessons of the past to guide her.

“I’ve found some workouts to help me warm up just before the walk, which will help the hip flexors, which I struggled the most with last year,” she said.

“And a big pasta dinner the day before. Lollies and mints for the walk itself are always a must for me, too.”

Amy thanked everyone who has supported her so far and said she hopes more people will get involved, whether by joining the walk or donating. If nothing else, assistance the following Monday would be greatly appreciated.

“Assistance getting up the stairs on the Monday following would be greatly appreciated,” she joked, but seriously.

You can sign up for the challenge here, or if you would like to make a donation you can do that here.