I’ve taken a stand against blood cancer.
Hi friends,
As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Leukaemia at 29. After brutal chemo and a Stem Cell Transplant from an unrelated donor, I am now celebrating almost two years in remission.
I wanted to do something to give back and help others, so in my biggest (craziest?!) idea yet I'm planning to thru-hike the Heysen trail - a 1,200km hike from Cape Jervis to Parachilna Gorge, Flinders Ranges, SA. I estimate this will take me approx 60 days. 60 days of putting one foot in front of the other, overcoming mental and physical challenges and weather conditions to raise money to help others going through a blood cancer diagnosis. I hope to finish my hike just in time to celebrate my 2nd 'Re-Birthday' (30th October) - two years since the Stem Cell Transplant which gave me another chance at life.
I know firsthand the difference the Leukaemia Foundation makes in peoples lives. Not only do they provide vital support, information and research, but Adelaide is home to the Leukaemia Village which provides accommodation for folks from regional SA and NT to stay near the Royal Adelaide Hospital whilst they are undergoing treatment. As you can imagine, upheaving your life isn't easy and to offer this is a godsend to those that need it during this time. Two very dear friends of mine have been able to have a home away from home in the Leukaemia Village whilst recovering from their Transplant.
My recovery hasn't been without its struggles, and whilst I still suffer from fatigue along with other issues post-transplant, I want to push myself to see what I can achieve in a celebration of how far I've come and ultimately, of still being alive. There are so many people who have not gotten this chance because of blood cancer, and I know how supremely lucky I am to be here and undertaking this.
Today, more than 50 Australians will be told that they have blood cancer and tomorrow - another 50 families will be devastated by the same news.
I have created this page to raise vital funds to help provide the special care that is needed to get families through a blood cancer diagnosis as well as to help fund more game-changing research into this disease.
The money I raise will help provide care for those in need right now — and it will back the brightest researchers to continue uncovering faster diagnoses and better treatments to save lives.
Please show me your support by donating to my fundraising campaign.
Event Information
Monday 26th July 12:00 - 08:00My Achievements
Congrats! You've hit your goal!
$80 raised - you've given a family a night of emergency accommodation!
You've covered genetic testing!
You've given a family a whole weeks accommodation near treatment
$1,000 raised - you've made a tube gene test with state-of-the-art-technology possible
You've covered 3 months of lab costs for vital blood cancer research
You've fund life changing research for 3 months
Thank you to my Supporters
$53
Kelly Pullin
$31.32
Cristina Guarino
Sophie, incredible work! Loving following your crazy hike 💕
$31.32
Yolande Morris
Keep,going Sophie…just one step at a time, you have already done so well!!
$31.32
Ken Patterson
I’ve followed your Heysen journey and see you as an inspiration to so many. Having walked the Camino Frances and a number of other trails I recognise many of the emotions (high and low) you have experienced. Overall though it is overwhelmingly positive. Keep on going through life, like on the trail, one small step at a time and you will achieve amazing things.
$20.88
Melanie Sjoberg
Congrats - stay strong. Friends of Heysen Trail are especially heartened when the trail provides such inspiration and community support.
$55.33
John From Quorn
So glad you are back on the trail. Brilliant work with the Leukaemia Foundation, you kept that quiet! Sending good vibes for the rest of your walk and beyond. 🙏
$20.88
Ross Mcdougall
Good on you Sophie.
$31.32
Rose
Great to hear you are in remission! Great story and cause! Thank you 😊
$10.44
Carolyn Della-zoppa
Amazing
$55.33
Trina Spitts
$55.33
Joanne Montagnese
Thanks for sharing your story . All the best.
$83.52
Levi George
Miss you friend! May your walk be free of creeks, have lots of well posted and easy to see signs and plenty of flat dirt roads!
$55.33
Kathy Guarino
You’re doing an incredible job Sophie! All the best on your trek and I hope you can listen to your podcast episode while you walk to remind yourself of how far your body has come and how the money you raise will make a massive difference for future blood cancer patients and their families.
$200
Luke Barraclough
Good luck and look after your hooves! Your doing a great thing for a great cause
$31.32
Liz
I listened to your amazing story on the Kathy’s Bald Move podcast. You should be so proud of all you have achieved. All the best with your hike. You’ve got this, Sophie 💪🏼
$30
Kat
Inspiring 💫 Happy hiking!
$100
Leon Evans
Awesome effort Sophie. Wishing you wellness and happiness although I expect the hike will shred some tears 🤗
$55.33
Kirsten Sparrow
So proud of you, you’re a super star! Thinking of you every day. Love you lots xxx
$208.80
Gill Hunt
You are an amazing young woman and we wish you all the best for your walk. This is such a good cause!!
$53
Tania Murphy
Sophie the Murphy's love you and are cheering you on big time. It's so awesome and inspiring what you are doing. xo
$20
Alison Mylett
$100
Rob.
Hi Sophie! Found your story through Friends of the Heysen. Loving your posts. Wow! What an inspiration you are! You go girl, you are something really special! Enjoy every moment. :)
$55.33
Em Mccarl
So amazing girl!! Keep the insta stories coming, love following your amazing journey ❤
$114.84
Heather Mcgregor
You got this girl! So proud of you!
$104.40
John & June Garvie
Best of luck Sophie & enjoy x
$55.33
Ayesha Hastings
Don’t know if you remember us working at the holdy together but I’ve been following your story ever since and think your so inspirational. Good luck with your hike your doing amazing things! Xx
$104.40
Lisa
Soph you are all kinds of amazing my friend. Bless your every step of this brave and amazing adventure!
$83.52
Jason/shelley Garvie
Best of luck to you on this epic adventure. Your determination and knowing that ‘ you can do hard things’ will drive you. Heartfelt gratitude for raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation and raising awareness. Thriving and surviving! Xx
$30
Sammy Wall
Go Sophie! I have no doubt that your determination and spirit will get you through this massive adventure. Good luck 👍
$55.33
Ruth Murton
What an inspration Sophie. Well done and wishing all the very best on your journey.
$104.40
Eva May Bonnet
Hello Sophie, I think it is absolutely amazing what you are doing. You are so inspiring and I definitely want to hear all about it as you might push me to do something similar in the future although I'd be quite scared by myself :) Thank you for doing your bit to help cancer treatment improvement, one of the warnings when getting into my cancer treatment was that there is a risk of developing leukaemia so I feel extremely concerned and I'm happy that you give me the opportunity to do a tiny weeny something to help. Anyway all the best on this adventure, celebrate your two year remission and enjoy every moment. Big love 💓 Bonne chance et merde! Eva xxx
$55.33
Charley Our Bus Frida
Such an inspiration!
$41.76
Emma Williams
You are an amazing and inspirational woman. Good luck with the hike, I'm sure you will smash it!
$55.33
Donma Bergamin
You are inspirational and vulnerable and honest at the same time. Travel well and keep posting 💕
$31.32
Becky Bell
SPG you never cease to amaze me. Enjoy your little ramble xx
$55.33
Cressida Binks
$80
Anonymous
Inspirational!! I look forward to hearing all about your adventures 🙏🏼❤️
$55.33
Kat
What a wonder thing you are doing Sophie. 💖
$83.52
Luke Fernandez
Such an inspiration Sophie. A great goal for such an important and meaningful cause to you. With your journey so far, I know you've got this. Wishing you all the best with this! x
$100
Katrina
You go girl! What an achievement! So inspiring. Will be thinking of you x
$10.44
Julie
What a great cause! ❤️
$83.52
Clare
You’re a shining star - lots of luck with the hike!
$200
Linda Patnicroft
my darling daughter who does crazy things x
$20.88
Ang Rosser
What an amazing challenge, you’ve got this 💪
$31.32
Grainne
Best of luck Sophie, well done! We look forward to welcoming you back to Yoga after your accomplishment😎
$31.32
Hayley Richey
So inspiring!! Go Soph XX
$31.32
Kim
One foot in front of the other, positive vibes and be kind to yourself...
$80
Claire-louisa
Go Sis! You’ll storm this! Lots of love xxx
$100
Kate And House
Good luck Sophie! you are a constant inspiration♥️Lots of love from Kate and House xxx
$104.40
Panzy Mccarl
$30
Karen Mcgregor
What an amazing goal Sophie. Wishing you safe travels and wonderful experiences. ❤️
$104.40
Nick Heather
Great work Sophie. An incredible challenge to take on too. Legend
$55.33
Matthew Reeves
$20.88
Michele
It only left me the option for $80 and I want to give $100 so this is the $20 top up on the $80
$83.52
Michele Mckeown
The world is a book,and those who do not travel read only a page. Saint Augustine
$53
Natalie Collins
You're an inspiration Soph ❤ can't wait to hear all about it.
$31.32
Deborah Dyer
You’ve gone through more than anyone should have to, it’s amazing to see you doing this and raising money for such an important cause. Best of luck ❤️❤️
$104.40
Sarah-jane Garvie
👊🏼🧡🌻
$30
Carol Rawlins
Your an inspiration Sophie ❤️ Such a beautiful soul xxxx
$83.52
Chelsea Mifsud
Power to you Soph 💕
$31.32
Tara Phillips
Beautiful idea & reflection of your strength & courage— Happy Trails Sophie! Xox
$83.52
Ian
Great to see such great inspiration. All the best to you.
$55.33
Courtney Selfe
You got this Sophie!! You beautiful soul 🙏
$31.32
Amie Fey
The world needs more like you girl! Love you and every day I am grateful that you’re alive and well! Love you and support you in all that you do! You are inspiration itself! Can’t wait to hear of your adventures! xxx
$31.32
Aggie
You are my forever shero ❤️❤️❤️
$31.32
Anonymous
$83.52
Claire Dalzell
Enjoy every minute of it, the highs & the lows. An awesome challenge to take on & for a very important cause. You have got this 🙌
$83.52
Meg Brakenridge
Go sophie you guru! Keep doing life, such an inspirational woman!
$53
Siobhan May
Good luck Sophie - you’re a superstar xxx
$55.33
Nina Bellati Daggett
Kick cancers butt!! 💪
$104.40
Anthea Ingram
You are an inspiration Sophie!
$53
Wendy Gower
You are seriously an inspiration and a beautiful soul. You 've got this for sure. I look forward to reading your story.
$62.64
Bec Mcmahon
You’re amazing Sophie! Can’t wait to follow your journey. 💚
$80
The Wholeness Project
I love you & am so proud of you!
$55.33
Aidan Goodall
$10.44
Leah Mcnamara
$10.44
Suzy Kettle
$10.44
Lissy Oakley
$104.40
Carmen Rigney
Such a beautiful soul and such an inspiration! We are blessed to have you here and will be with you every step of the way...x
Beyond proud of you ❤️