‘My family try to stay as active as we can, so hiking is a newfound hobby. Being in a seaside location I try to walk most days and bike ride as well.’
Louise says she and her husband knew they wanted to give the Grampians Peak Trail a go after it was opened during the pandemic. Able to reach the southern section of the trail easily from her house in day trips, Louise’s goal was to complete the northern and central sections of the trail in a single multi-day hike.
‘The walk certainly wasn’t easy. The first kilometre took us 50 minutes because it was all vertical rock climbing with a pack on.
‘I was getting up at 4.15am every morning just to beat the heat with my husband but we saw the most amazing sun rises and we were up so high it felt like we could touch the stars.
‘I did this walk for all those people who can’t achieve those heights, I never took a second of it for granted. It was the hardest thing I have ever done,’ Louise says.
Louise believes exercise is essential to keeping her MS in check and is good for her mental health.
‘As a mother of four active children, I want to be a role model to them. I want them to see that MS doesn’t control my life or define who I am. I really feel a sense of achievement when I stand on top of a mountain. Every moment I climb, I do it for my MS warrior friends and I never take that moment for granted.’
Diagnosed in 2020, Louise says her MS has been a wake-up call and has pushed her to look after herself and listen to what her body is telling her.
‘I decided to give it my all. I have looked at my diet, I try to exercise every chance I get and have decided to live the best life I can with MS.
Louise purchased the hiking and camping equipment she needed for the trip with her scholarship funds.
‘The scholarship allowed me to purchase ultra-light gear, like the walking poles, air mattress etc.
‘I want to inspire others and to give others something positive to strive for. One step at a time for me.’
Although Louise completed the northern section, she wasn’t able to complete the central section in a single trip as she had hoped, she is incredibly proud of what she had achieved.
‘To be able to achieve some of my personal life goals, despite my MS, has been incredible,’ Louise says.
‘I just hope my experiences inspire others to try and do a little more exercise.’
Pictured: One of the incredible views captured during Louuse's Grampians hike.