In 2016, six friends decided to walk along 30km of beautiful coastline on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. They did this to raise awareness and funding for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) in its work to develop an early detection test. And they did it to support one woman in their group who had been disagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease.
In 2017 the number of participants tripled from 6 to 18, then in 2018 it again grew and there were over 60 women! Last year there were more than 200 Wonder Woman Walkers (including a few men!).
Each year the Wonder Woman Walk (WWW) has been an experience of connection, support, friendship, fun and laughter. Mums, daughters, sisters, work colleagues and friends have walked and talked together. Their ages have ranged from 12 to over 70. Most have made it to the end and those who haven’t, did as much as they could!!
Sadly, this year is our first WWW without our inspirational founder, leader and dear friend Helen ‘Foxy’ Powell, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in early 2020.
We can not fill Helen's shoes but we will continue in her footsteps and carry on the WWW to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) in its work to develop an early detection test for ovarian cancer.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, this year's walk has been reconfigured. We will walk together but virtually through the use of the STRAVA App, as participants undertake the 30km walk in accordance with their area restrictions.
We also encourage women and men from across Australia and overseas to get involved and walk with us.
The 2020 WWW will be held over the course of a week. Between Sunday 25 October and Sunday 01 November, participants will complete the walk that best suits them;
- THE WEEK WALK - accrue 30kms over multiple walks.
- THE LONG WALK - complete a 30km walk in one go.
In just four years, the Wonder Woman Walk has raised more than $59,000, with last year's efforts alone totalling $30,000! This money in its entirety has been donated to the OCRF to help it in finding an early detection test and improved treatment for those women with the disease.
Many participants have also walked in memory of loved ones lost or to support friends or family members living with the disease.
This community of Wonder Woman Walkers is making a significant difference!
If you are supporting an individual Wonder Woman, please feel free to leave her name and a word of encouragement in the Comments box.
Thank you so much for your donation.
The amazing Wonder Woman Print will soon be displayed in its new home. A place Helen would have wanted it to be. Keep watching