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Wednesday 29 January 2025
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Walking the world PAULA HULBURT A Picton woman is set to tackle a 40,000 kilometre walk around the world, raising money and awareness for women’s charities. Helen-Maree Forde has a smile that shines, a smile she’s fought hard to find again. Around her neck sits a colourful Tree of Life necklace, at her feet a backpack and her hiking boots. Aptly Titled You. Can.Go.Far, the odyssey has been a longed-for dream. The walk of hope is to raise both money and awareness for organisations supporting women who have suffered domestic and sexual abuse. Helen-Maree knows firsthand the devastating effects of both. At the age of 52 years old, she has found who she truly is, she says. Now, she hopes to inspire and help others. “I want to show everyone any dream is possible,” Helen-Maree beams. “I was born into sexual abuse and violence and I grew up seeing a whole lot of things I shouldn’t have.” It was a trusted family friend who subjected Helen-Maree to four years of sexual abuse when she was a child. Her sense of self-worth, her perception of healthy relationships and the courage
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Picton’s Helen-Maree Forde has a full training schedule in place ready for her 40,000 kilometre walk across the world in 2027. Photo: Paula Hulburt.
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