Sore and hobbling after completing her 50km hike, MJ Scanlon was proud of what she’d achieved

When MJ Scanlon heard the Hike for Homeless might be in jeopardy, she decided to take matters into her own hands. HERE’S WHAT SHE DID.

Fairholme College student MJ Scanlon hiked 50km on Saturday to raise money for the homeless.

Earlier in the year, Miss Scanlon had heard Base Services’ annual Hike for Homeless event was in jeopardy due to the pandemic.

Knowing the homelessness charity was in need of a boost, she devised her own fundraiser 50km Closer to Change, where she would hike through the city to raise funds for Base Services.

“In fear of the (Hike for Homeless) being impacted by COVID-19, I decided to create my own way to show support on behalf of Fairholme,” Miss Scanlon said.

“It’s so difficult being homeless and not having security, I can’t empathise at all, I can only sympathise because I don’t know what it’s like.

“(The hike) is about getting people to look and realise there is an issue.”

Miss Scanlon started the hike at 3.30am from the Base Services Soup Kitchen, walking on a path around the city, finishing around midday.

Yesterday, she was “very sore”, hobbling, and hoping the pain would subside shortly.

She’d never before walked 50km in one stretch, and the thought of giving up played on her mind – particularly around the 40km mark.

But it was the people who joined her on the walk who kept her occupied with stories and chatter, from Base Services’ Nat and Tiff Spary to her math teacher to her granddad and her friends.

After crossing the finish line, she dunked her feet straight into an ice bath.

“Tiff and Nat made me a mango smoothie and then mum and I packed up and went to Maccas and called it a day,” she said.

“Then I had a four hour nap.”

Miss Scanlon said so far she’d raised $6068 with more donations coming in, and thanked everyone who had supported her.

“I think, when you’re a student, you get caught up in your own life, and it’s important to take a look around you and appreciate what you have,” she said.

After some early uncertainty, the Base Service’s Hike for the Homeless will be held on October 24 at Jubilee Park.

“When I first met MJ four years ago, she let me know that the problems in Toowoomba should be ours as well – from that early age she was showing initiative to be a leader in our community,” Mr Spary said.

“What a great initiative she has organised to help those that are less fortunate, she’s raised way over her goal and I really think it’s amazing.”

Mr Spary said they were hoping for around 1000 registrations for this year’s hike.

“We raised around $40,000 last year and we’re hoping to raise $50,000 this year,” he said.

“The money that is raised goes towards the soup kitchen.”

Miss Scanlon will also be taking part in this year’s Hike for Homeless, alongside her friend and trainer Premier Conditioning’s Gio Davies.