Tauranga woman 'conquering Mount Everest' to help others conquer depression

Sharon Wellington will be walking up the Mount 38 times to support Mr Gs million dollar gumboot fundraiser. Photo / George Novak

A Tauranga woman is determined to conquer the equivalent of Mount Everest by climbing Mauao 38 times in 30 days to raise money for those who struggle with depression.

Last Tuesday, Sharon Wellington began her Mount Everest Challenge, which meant she would climb Mauao more than once in a day at times over the next month.

The battle against depression in New Zealand is personal for the mother-of-three from Gate Pā.

She has struggled with depression and the ripples of poor mental health issues have been felt throughout her family.

"There's a real need for people who are struggling to find solutions," she said.

"We need to approach it from all angles, Talking about it, receiving counselling from qualified counsellors, getting support from friends and family, identifying any chemical imbalance, and good nutrition and exercise.

"We are all body, soul and spirit."

Parents, in particular, could find it hard to look after and put time into themselves, she said.

She supported Mike King's initiative to get counselling for those struggling with mental health issues.

She hopes to raise $1000 in total.

All of the funds raised would be donated to Mike King's Gumboot Friday cause which was dedicated to helping Kiwi teenagers who struggle with depression.

Wellington joined Pāpāmoa artist Mr G as another local who was involved in the fundraising drive.

Mr G - also known as Graham Hoete - hoped to raise $1m from the sale of his carved gumboot artwork for Mike King's I AM HOPE mental health awareness charity and its Gumboot Friday campaign to give kids free counselling.

The kauri boot will be auctioned live on television on April 5, Gumboot Friday.

Hoete, who was inspired in part by his own mental health struggle, said the public reaction to his idea had been so great he wanted a way for ordinary people to contribute.

Anyone who would like to support Sharon's mission can donate via her Givealittle page.

NEED HELP?
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Need to talk to someone else?
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
- Youthline: 0800 376 633
- Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
- Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
- Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 • Samaritans 0800 726 666