Photo gallery: Crowds turn out for Toowoomba’s Hike to Heal event

Linda and Jim founded the week-long scavenger hunt to raise money and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

It’s an indescribable grief that families across the country have had to endure, but two loving parents have worked tirelessly to prevent it from happening to others.

In 2016, Jim and Linda Barton lost their son Nick when he tragically took his own life.

Determined to make a difference, the pair founded Hike to Heal – a week-long scavenger hunt hike which raises funds and awareness for Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland.

After they managed to raise $6000 through last year’s fundraising campaign, Mr and Mrs Barton hope to do it all again this year and launched this year’s event last Saturday.

Helping to support Lifeline’s counselling services, the event aims to take the stigma out of mental health, encourage the public to seek help and prevent suicide.

Hikers are encouraged to have fun while following clues on the Mt Peel Bushland Reserve to find natural treasures, complete photo challenges and solve riddles as they walk along the trail.

The scavenger hunt hike can be completed from now and up until February 27.

This year, there will be the addition of a Tribute Tree, which was made by the West Toowoomba Men’s Shed and will allow participants to dedicate their walk to a loved one or offer words of encouragement by writing on the tree’s leaf-shaped memory tags.

For more information, visit hiketoheal.org.au.

If you are struggling, please phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Photo gallery: Crowds turn out for Toowoomba’s Hike to Heal event