By Brendan Rees
A Narre Warren South mother and her teenage son are united in walking part the way up Everest to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Jenni Walden says she’s not great with heights whereas her son Mitchell, 17, loves hiking.
“I’ve never done anything like this before, it’s completely new to both of us,” says Ms Walden.
The duo is heading to Everest base camp in memory of their friend, Nick Sangston who died by suicide in April, 2016, aged 17.
Ms Walden says Nick and her son formed a close friendship as members of the First Cranbourne Scout Group where she was also a group leader.
“They did a lot of hiking, camping and everything together.”
Prior to Nick’s passing, Ms Walden says Mitchell and Nick made a pact that they would scale Mount Everest after both receiving scouting medallions.
“This is something those boys wanted to do together and even though he can’t be with us we’re going up there for him.”
The 15-day trek in March will take them on a journey through the Himalayan mountain range to the base camp at more than 5000 metres altitude.
Ms Walden says preparing for the trip has enabled them to reconnect with Nick’s family; something they haven’t done since the funeral.
“They would like us to take something of Nick’s up with us, to leave up there which is great.”
“There’s a memorial before you get to base camp. She (Nick’s mother) said ‘do you think you could take the medallion as high as you’re going and then bring it back down to the memorial?’ I went OK, great let’s do that.”
“We spoke to Scouts Victoria and they are actually going to provide us with a replica of Nick’s scout medallion.”
Ms Walden says the Everest hike will be a challenge for both of them but are training hard in preparation for the trek.
“I’m super, super excited but also nervous about the fear of the unknown,” she said.
“We’re doing a lot of walking, obviously in our hike boots and carrying packs. We both go to a personal trainer so we’ve increased our sessions.”
“I’m not great with heights so walking over the suspension bridges is going to be an enjoyable experience for the first couple times I imagine.”
A $5000 grant from Nova Entertainment will also help kick-start their trip which Ms Walden says will be a “fantastic way to honour a scouting brother and to bring some happiness back into our life.”
City of Casey Council are throwing their support behind Ms Walden and her son’s aim to prevent youth suicide and promote mental health awareness.
“We can’t shy away from it anymore because unfortunately it has happened,” she said.
Anyone wishing to donate and help support Ms Walden and Mitchell’s trip please contact Jenni Walden on: 0413 992 206.
