Walking with purpose

For Janine, being able to give back to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is more than just a goal – it’s personal.  

In May 2019, Janine faced a life-threatening battle with necrotising fasciitis, commonly known as the flesh-eating bacteria.  

She was flown from Kalgoorlie to Perth by the RFDS, a service she credits with saving her life.  

"Without this valuable service, my diagnosis was very serious, and I was in a life-or-death situation," Janine shared.   

Cases of this rare condition occur at a rate of just 1 per 100,000 people, with a mortality risk as high as 26%. 

Determined to repay the service that supported her in her darkest moments, Janine joined the Oceans to Outback Challenge. Last October, she set herself the ambitious target of walking 200 kilometres to raise funds for the RFDS.  

“By signing up to complete the Oceans to Outback, it was my way of giving back to the RFDS who helped save my life,” she said. 

Supported by friends and family, she pushed herself to reach her goal. Along the way, she experienced some unexpected highlights, including witnessing an early morning police chase.   

“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I probably set myself a big target to walk 200kms in the month of October but I pushed myself and had the support of my friends and family to get me over the line and achieve my target kms.” 

Janine initially set a $2,000 fundraising target, but thanks to overwhelming support, she raised over $3,900.  

"I received so much encouragement that I extended my target to $4,000 – and nearly reached it!" she said. 

And she isn’t stopping there. Over the next five years, she aims to raise $20,000 for the RFDS.  

"I’ll be competing in the Oceans to Outback Challenge every October," she said.  

"Please keep an eye out for my fundraising page and consider donating to help keep the Royal Flying Doctor flying."   

When she’s not championing the RFDS or leading the Goldfields Kalforce team as Resource Officer, Janine spends her time working at local sports clubs, enjoying a day at the races, or cooking for friends.  

Her two cats and her love of crafting and true crime documentaries keep her busy and entertained.