Gisborne’s Hunter Williams is cycling 3500km through Europe to raise funds for Australian families caring for someone with an eating disorder.
The 19-year-old is raising funds for Eating Disorders Families Australia and his campaign, Hunter’s Uphill Fundraiser, pays tribute to the challenges families face.
“Looking after someone with an eating disorder can really feel like you are riding uphill a lot of the time,” he said.
Setting off from the Czech Republic a month ago, Hunter has raised more than $10,000 and still has about two months of cycling in front of him.
Highlights so far have included the hospitality of people he has met along the way, and an epic climb to the peak of a mountain range in Albania, where he watched the sun set and rise in the company of two wild dogs.
“Without a doubt, the most challenging part is the loneliness. Spending so much time in a foreign country away from my family and friends has been really difficult,” Hunter said.
“Thankfully, I have found the amazing hospitality of fellow backpackers and locals incredible, with many offering me a place to sleep for the night and to have a warm shower.”
A complete bike-packing amateur, Hunter describes his journey as an emotionally maturing experience. He faced two weeks of rain when he first set out, meaning his camping equipment and other belongings remained sodden.
He then faced extreme temperatures and a day of multiple flat tyres, but he said he tried to take each day as it came and set small goals for himself.
“On the first few days of my ride, I was thinking about several people very close to me who have suffered and are suffering from eating disorders, and how horrible this is for both them and their families,” Hunter said.
“I would like the funds I raise to be used to continue the amazing educational network EDFA provides and to sustain the community of families who can then share their otherwise silent struggles.”
EDFA currently supports more than 3000 members, holds more than 90 online support group meetings and education webinars each year, and has varied specific support groups.
Hunter’s journey will take him from the Czech Republic through parts of eastern Europe, down to Greece and he will then travel via ferry to Italy before finishing his journey in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
To check out Hunter’s fundraising page, visit: uphill-fundraiser-2023.raisely.com
EDFA is an ACNC-registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
