Stanthorpe woman set to ride more than 3000km for mental health awareness

The Granite Belt resident has shared how her own battles with depression, homelessness and substance abuse has inspired her decision to jump on her bike and ride solo for more than 60 days.

Kate Moran will ride 3439km from Stanthorpe to Darwin for mental health awareness.

A Stanthorpe woman will set out on 60-day solo bike ride across the country on Wednesday, in a bid to raise awareness and funds for mental health and homelessness support in the community.

Kate Moran has struggled with depression, homelessness and alcohol and drug addiction for most of her life and wants to use her experiences to help others.

She will carry out the feat with all her belongings on her back and limited money due to her current homelessness.

“I want to motivate people to be the best versions of themselves. I am proof that when you put your mind to something you can do it, I’m nothing special,” she said.

Ms Moran said she was currently living off her tax return and sold the car she was living in to buy the road bike and equipment needed for her travels.

Along her ride, Ms Moran will speak with people in each community she visits to address the “preconceived ideas” of homelessness and depression.

“I think there is a really big misunderstanding of homelessness,” she said.

“I want to shine a light on the fact that (people experiencing homelessness) are not in that position because they don’t want help, it’s because they can’t find help.”

Ms Moran wants to use the ride to face her fears and push her out of her comfort zone. Photo: Rory Hession / NRM Staff

Ms Moran said her experiences and this ride were pushing her out of her comfort zone.

“Every time there were any red flags I would leave a job, town or partner which has now added up to 83 different towns I’ve lived in,” she said.

“I think I always figured that I would outgrow my depression or mental traumas, but I learnt that you can’t outrun your history, I’ve just turned 30 so it’s like my midlife crisis.

“This ride gives me the freedom from my own mind and confidence and faith in myself that I can do anything I set my mind to.

“I expect (the ride) to bring up a lot of unresolved fears. I’m scared of the dark and have never camped alone, so it’s a challenge that is new and out there that makes me nervous sick but it’s also exciting.”

Kate Moran’s goal is to raise $260,000 for community mental health charities.

Ms Moran said she chose cycling rather than travelling by car, bus or train as she wanted the move to “grab people’s attention”.

“It’s not easy, so it’s a conversation starter and if I can do something crazy enough that gets people talking (about mental health) then that’s great,” she said.

“Travelling makes me happy and it helps my mental health and makes my soul feel full,” she said.

Ms Moran’s goal is to raise $260,000, with the amount chosen reflective of the number of people experiencing homelessness in Australia.

At the end of her ride, Ms Moran will donate her funds to small community mental health charities and organisations suggested by the public that are in need of support.

“There needs to be more openness and community help for people that are struggling. The money will go towards helping feed people, clothe them or re-educate society on how to better manage this problem,” she said.

To donate to Ms Moran’s Go Fund Me page click here.

Ms Moran’s first stop on her 3439km ride is Warwick.