In the heart of Japan, on 24 May 2025, 14 incredible people are embarking on one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures – the Kumano Kodo Trail. Over the course of seven days, our trekkers will conquer the rugged terrain and steep climbs of the Nakahechi route, all while raising awareness and much-needed funds for Jenny’s Place.
This isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey with purpose. As they trek through dense forests, cross tranquil rivers, and reach the sacred Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, they will connect with the deeply spiritual history of the trail, all while supporting our cause that is close to their hearts. Along the way, they’ll pass through picturesque villages, rejuvenate in the healing waters of Yunomine Onsen, and face daily challenges of 10-18 km hikes, pushing their physical and mental limits.
Introducing our incredible trekkers…
Jen Hughes
Why are you doing this trek? I hope to contribute to helping Jenny’s Place continue their great work with venerable women and children and to finding a solution to end domestic violence.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? I wouldn’t say seasoned but Kumano Kodo will be my third trek for Jenny’s Place.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming trek? Getting to know the amazing women participating in this trek and learning and experiencing a new culture.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally for the trek? Doing what I can, when I can, by walking up hills, on mixed terrains and thinking about WHY.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? The physical challenge every day for 8 days. Working together as a team and hoping my mental strength can carry me to the end when my body wants to give up.
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? There’s nothing I’ll miss more than family, I have more to gain through this experience.
Abene Charleson
Why are you doing this trek? The opportunity to do something that you love, which is Travel, Trek and Help Others made the decision a no brainer when the opportunity came along to sign up for the Kumano Kodo Trek to raise funds for Jenny’s Place.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? I would probably class myself as a seasoned trekker as I have participated in two Ultra 22km Trail runs in the Blue Mountains, also trail run in New Zealand, and did the Jenny’s Place Kakadu Trek 2 years ago.
What are you most excited about? I’m excited about being able to do this Trek with some amazing fellow minded people, with the one goal being to raise funds for Jenny’s Place. The Trek looks absolutely stunning with some amazing terrain and scenery along with embracing the culture along the journey.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? I have been preparing for the trip physically by including lots of elevation and downhills in my walks which are mainly in Glenrock National Park. With this I have also been wearing my Trail Boots and a loaded backpack to get my body used to the equipment. I also attend a gym twice a week which includes cardio and weights and I do Pilates twice a week. Mental preparation for me would be to try and be more organised in keeping on top of all the paperwork involved in fundraising, people who know me well will laugh at this.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? The biggest challenge I feel will be backing up day after day on the trail when the legs get a bit weary with the stairs and elevation that will be thrown at us. This along with lack of sleep due to being in a different environment challenges the body and brain. The plan to overcome these challenges will be to keep up my training so my body is ready to handle the terrain, and luckily I can survive on little sleep but I will try and learn some relaxation techniques. Other than that I’ll just talk to myself -as they all found out on the Kakadu Trek I have to have everything organised before I go to sleep LOL.
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? I will miss my Groodle Ellie – think that is classed as family. I will miss the comfort of my own bed and pillow the luxury of a washing machine and my favourite Saturday night meal veggies and crumbed lamb cutlets. I’ll also miss the comfort of routine in my daily life as on the Trek it will be day by day.
Shannon Dorahy
Why are you doing this trek? I signed up to do this trek to personally challenge myself physically and mentally, meet new people and find a new hobby for myself and support an amazing local charity, Jenny’s Place.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? I have done many bushwalks in the past but I haven’t done any hiking/trekking for years. I have found a new hobby in hiking and I’m loving it. This will be my first ever charity group hike and overseas hike.
What are you most excited about? I am most excited about being a part of group that will raise much needed funds for Jenny’s Place, giving what I can to others. I’m excited to hike overseas and create a life core memory with new friends and make a life experience. I am also excited to do a world heritage listed pilgrimage, I feel like it’s going to be a spiritual experience.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? I train a few times a week at F45 and have been doing on average about 25km a week walking with 1 or 2 group hikes. I have joined a local hiking group and have enjoyed going out and hiking our local area.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? My body. I believe my mind is strong but when my body starts to show signs of weakness like blisters, chafe, soreness, niggles, it can be a challenge. I am hoping all the training and experiments with clothing and shoes etc will elevate that as much as possible so I can enjoy the trek. I’m sure there will be challenges but as a group and team we will work together.
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? I will miss my heavenly bed and probably my own home cooked food. They are always my 2 things I miss when being away from home.
Amanda Dowell
Why are you doing this trek? Obviously raising money for such a good cause but also challenging myself.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? First-time trekker!!
What are you most excited about? I’m excited to be sharing such an amazing experience with the other ladies in the group. I haven’t been to Japan before, so looking forward to seeing a new country and experiencing all it has to offer. One of my favourite things about travelling is the food, so cannot wait to taste the flavours of Japan.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? I have been going to the gym almost every day and walking as much as I can in my trekking shoes with a loaded backpack. Unfortunately, I have had tendon issues in my hip, so have spent quite some time at physio, getting everything sorted and make sure I am prepared for the trek ahead. Mentally I am a very strong person, so I feel like I will be able to overcome any negative challenges that come up. I have so many positive reasons to be doing this, so stay focused and enjoy every minute.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? My biggest challenge will be my hip issue flaring up. I will overcome it by doing the exercises I have learned and some pain relief too no doubt. Nothing is going to stop me!
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? My bed. I have the most comfortable bed, so I am sure after a long day trekking, I will be wishing I was in my own bed.
Josie Carmody
Why are you doing this trek? I signed up to the trek to challenge myself personally and to be apart of an incredible group of women raising funds for a fantastic cause. My mum has always motivated me to strive to give back – she is my inspiration.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? I would not say seasoned; this will be my 2nd trek!
What are you most excited about? I am very excited to experience the culture aspect of the trek, and enjoying the company of the locals.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? Enjoying morning walks with my darling dog Doug, walking in my boots and gaining leg and core strength through Pilates. Mentally I am speaking positively to myself in everyday life, words of encouragement go a long way!
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? The biggest challenge for me will be feeling tired and sore, I hope to overcome this by stretching and ensuring I listen to my body and what it needs along the way.
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? I will definitely miss my bed and Dougie my dog!
Kim Newnham
Why are you doing this trek? I see first hand the mental health effects of domestic violence daily in my work as a private psychiatrist. Jenny’s Place is a wonderful organisation that has supported many of my patients.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? I am a (fairly) seasoned trekker, I have joined the Jenny’s Place team in fundraising treks across the Simpson Desert and the Heysen Flinders Trail.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? I have been preparing for the trek with regular training hikes, running and Pilates.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? The biggest challenge for me on any trek is my severe fear of heights. The team as well as the guides on past treks have been amazing at supporting me past high ledges (but it never gets any easier!)
Ali Kimmorley
Why are you doing this trek? Trekking is my happy place and to then be able to support women and children escaping DV takes it to another level. If together we can raise funds to ensure the Jenny’s Place services continue and expand then I’m privileged to be able to do so.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? This is my 10th fundraising trek. I’m addicted!!
What are you most excited about? Every trek I have made the most beautiful connections with the other trekkers and to be able to do this one with a particularly close friend is extra special.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? I’ve been attempting to do as much stair work as possible as apparently we do have a lot of those to encounter on the trek!
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? Backing up each day with often a restless sleep always makes it interesting!
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? Well, this time I can’t say my bath….. so my amazing work family!
Wendy Carters
Why are you doing this trek? I am doing the trek to support Jennys Place which is such a vital service. I am also doing the trek to challenge myself as I did last year on the Heysen Trek.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? Second timer, I did the Heysen Trek last year.
What are you most excited about? Challenging myself and trekking with other amazing women. I have heard the trek is an old pilgrimage walk which really appeals to me.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? Not as much preparation as I would like but have done a few 14 km walks of Glenrock, also have done some gym work. Mentally I will be ok. Hope the body holds out though. We all support each other when times are tough
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? I am concerned about all those steep climbs and steps. I plan to take them on in my own time with buddy support. Have been doing some thigh work at the gym.
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? My dog, Milo.
Carol Compton
Why are you doing this trek? Help Jenny’s Place.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? Seasoned trekker.
What are you most excited about? Reuniting with trekking friends, meeting new trekkers, experiencing Japan.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? Gym full body weight workout, Pilates, one long walk per week.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? None physically, but communicating with the Japanese people will be interesting.
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? Nothing. Just looking forward to another amazing experience.
Sharon Cameron
Why are you doing this trek? To challenge myself and raise money and awareness for Jenny’s Place.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? This is my 4th Trek.
What are you most excited about? The companionship and spending time in Japan.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? Doing lots of walking and knowing that my head will give up before my feet do, so one foot after the other and just keep going.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? Rain, possible blisters.
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? Good coffee, my bed.
Robbi Maddison
Why are you doing this trek? To raise money for a charity close to my heart. Mum and I have both suffered DV.
What are you most excited about? To be able to speak with new people and hear their stories good or bad.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? Feel very excited and maybe I just need to pace myself as I have ADHD and walking too fast
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? I have not really thought of what I will miss outside of family and the dogs as I cant wait to get to Japan.
Kath Doherty
Why are you doing this trek? I’m doing this Trek after I found out about Jenny’s Place from my friend, Kim, who has done other treks to raise much-needed funds.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? As a young adult I did a fair amount of trekking and then nothing for about 25 years. In the last 5 years I have started slowly back up again.
What are you most excited about? I’m most excited about the scenery and what sounds like fairly authentic Japanese-style accommodation and food.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? I think the biggest challenges will be physical as I understand there are a lot of up and down stairs. Hope the knees hold out!
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? I’m not really away long enough to miss anything, I am looking forward to some time away.
Michelle Youngberry
Why are you doing this trek? To raise money for a good cause, and Donna has asked me so often to do a hike I thought I would finally say yes.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? Definite “no idea” first-timer.
What are you most excited about? To finish.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? Lots of strength and mobility work, along with walks and hikes and also praying to the higher powers that I can finish.
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? Being able to finish, and doing this by reminding myself it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so not going out too hard to start. I’m more like a wombat rather than a gazelle.
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? Well yes, my kids, it goes without saying but then sleeping, reading, doing nothing, I am quite good at that.
Donna George
Why are you doing this trek? To raise awareness around Domestic and Family Violence and to raise much-needed funds for the women and children Jenny’s Place support to be able to live safely.
Are you a seasoned trekker or first-timer? I never ever would have considered myself a Trekker, let alone a seasoned trekker but through my role as a Fundraiser, I seem to have become one as this will be my 10th Charity Trek!
What are you most excited about? Getting to share the adventure with 13 other women who have trained and fundraised so hard. Also to experiencing Japan and all it has to offer for the first time.
How have you been preparing physically and mentally? Walking lots and climbing lots of hills. Mentally I believe I will be fine – somehow I have gotten through the last 9 Treks!
What are the biggest challenges you anticipate during the trek, and how do you plan to overcome them? Every day brings something different and some days are harder than others but I always keep in the forefront of my mind the reason I am doing this and the women and children I am supporting, and that makes for a fairly quick reality check.
What will you miss most from home (beside family)? Definitely coffee, the way I like it.
Together we can bring hope and healing
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our trekkers for their dedication and passion in this journey. Your commitment to making a difference is truly inspiring, and we are incredibly proud of the strides you’ve made so far.
As we work towards our fundraising goal of $100,000, we encourage everyone to show your support by donating. Every contribution, helps provide our trekkers with the encouragement they need to keep going and ensures that together, we can create lasting change.
