This May, a group of passionate fundraisers will take on the 54km Larapinta Trail in support of Lung Foundation Australia.
Each step they take is more than just a physical challenge — it’s a commitment to raising awareness of lung health and supporting people across Australia to breathe easier.
Behind every participant is a personal story. A reason. A moment that led them to say yes.
Here are the incredible people stepping up to do it for lungs.
Georgia Christie, QLD
Georgia brings energy, humour and heart to everything she does — and Larapinta is no exception. Taking on the challenge alongside her parents and closest friends, she’s embracing every part of the experience.
“I’m the kind of person you hear before you see… and I love getting uncomfortable and pushing my limits.”
Her decision to sign up was instant — inspired by people close to her who have faced lung cancer with strength and positivity.
“Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so yabso-goddam-lutely I said yes.”
For Georgia, this trek is about more than the kilometres. It’s about connection — showing up for the people she loves and standing alongside families impacted by lung disease.
“It’s one of the ways I can give back and support the people who’ve supported us.”
She’s also taking on the added challenge of managing Type 1 diabetes along the way — embracing the unpredictability that comes with it.
“It’s about accepting what I can’t control and getting comfortable being uncomfortable.”
What’s she most looking forward to?
“The belly laughs, the friendships, and pushing ourselves together — that’s what it’s all about.”
Lilanie Dagg, QLD
As a social worker with Lung Foundation Australia, Lilanie supports people living with lung disease every day — walking alongside them through some of life’s most challenging moments.
Now, she’s stepping outside her own comfort zone to honour their stories.
“I’m walking in recognition of the strength, loss and resilience shared with me every day.”
While she hasn’t experienced lung disease personally, the voices she hears in her role have left a lasting impact.
“People tell me what they’ve lost — the ability to hike, to explore — and that really stayed with me.”
That moment inspired her to take action.
“Being able to breathe is a gift — and it deserves more attention.”
For Lilanie, Larapinta is both a personal and professional journey — a chance to deepen her understanding and lead by example.
“If stepping outside my comfort zone encourages even one person to take a positive step for their health, it’s worth it.”
She hopes her participation sparks important conversations about lung health — and encourages people to take action sooner.
“Every step we take together brings more awareness, compassion and hope.”
Tim Daley, NSW
Tim is a physiotherapist working closely with people living with lung disease — supporting them to manage symptoms and maintain their quality of life.
Through his work, he’s seen first-hand the impact lung disease can have — not just physically, but across every aspect of life.
“It affects people from all walks of life, and often in ways you can’t see.”
The Larapinta Adventure felt like the perfect opportunity to combine purpose with challenge.
“It ticks all the boxes — raising awareness, supporting people, and pushing myself physically.”
Tim is particularly passionate about helping people understand that lung disease isn’t always visible.
“Not everyone has a cough or looks breathless — but the impact can be life-limiting.”
He hopes his fundraising will encourage more people to explore the support available through Lung Foundation Australia.
“If someone discovers a service that helps them or their family — that’s what it’s all about.”
And personally?
“If even one person accesses help because of this, I’ll be very happy.”
Chelsea Bully, QLD
Chelsea’s story is deeply personal — shaped by her family’s experience with lung cancer.
After losing her grandfather and supporting her dad through a stage four diagnosis, she’s driven by a strong desire to raise awareness and make a difference.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate — and that’s something more people need to understand.”
For Chelsea, taking on Larapinta is a way to honour her family’s strength and resilience.
“My Mum and Dad have been through so much, but they keep showing up with courage and positivity.”
She first discovered the challenge through Lung Foundation Australia and immediately saw it as an opportunity — not just for the adventure, but to give back.
“I thought — this is my chance to do something meaningful for a cause close to my heart.”
Since signing up, she’s already seen the ripple effect of sharing her story.
“The more I talk about it, the more others open up too.”
Her message to others is clear and powerful:
“Take your health seriously. If something feels off, go get it checked.”
And when it comes to the trek itself?
“54km in the heart of the NT, with amazing people — we’re all in it together.”
Carnedd Williams, WA
Based in Perth and working as Chief Operating Officer at TiBi Healthcare, Carnedd brings a strong professional and personal perspective to the Larapinta Adventure. Growing up in rural Wales shaped his understanding of healthcare access — something that continues to drive his work today.
“I’ve seen what it’s like when access to healthcare isn’t equal — and that’s stayed with me.”
For Carnedd, taking part in the trek is more than a physical challenge. It’s a reflection of the work he does every day to improve early detection and outcomes for people living with lung disease.
“Lung disease can develop silently over years — and late diagnosis changes everything.”
That reality is what motivated him to step up and get involved.
“This is more than just a challenge — it’s a chance to contribute to awareness, advocacy and real impact.”
His connection to Lung Foundation Australia is grounded in shared purpose — improving access, education and outcomes for people across the country, particularly in regional and remote communities.
“Their work aligns strongly with what we’re trying to achieve, making sure people can access care, no matter where they live.”
As he prepares for the Larapinta Trail, Carnedd is focused on both physical and mental resilience, but always with purpose front of mind.
“Every step in training is about something bigger than the trek itself.”
He hopes his participation helps shift the conversation around lung health — particularly the importance of acting early.
“Lung disease doesn’t need to be detected late. Early detection can change outcomes — and save lives.”
And for anyone considering taking on the challenge in the future, his message is simple:
“Do it. You’ll challenge yourself, be part of a great community, and contribute to something that genuinely matters.”
For Carnedd, success isn’t just finishing the trek, it’s contributing to a broader movement.
“This is about raising awareness, supporting Lung Foundation Australia, and reinforcing the importance of early detection.”
Sarah Latham, WA
For Sarah, taking on the Larapinta Adventure is deeply personal — shaped by loss, love, and a determination to change how people understand lung cancer.
“Lung cancer has had a devastating impact on my family.”
Her journey began with her uncle, who was diagnosed in his mid-40s. He was fit, healthy, and a non-smoker, a reality that challenged everything Sarah thought she knew about lung cancer.
“He passed away shortly after turning 50, leaving behind his wife and two young daughters.”
Now, her family is facing the disease again. Her dad, also fit, healthy and a non-smoker, is living with lung cancer.
“These experiences have shown me just how misunderstood lung cancer can be — and how it can affect anyone.”
That’s what led Sarah to sign up for the Larapinta Adventure, not just as a physical challenge, but as a way to honour her uncle, support her dad, and take action.
“This walk is my way of honouring my uncle, supporting my dad, and helping raise awareness and funds for other families.”
For Sarah, Lung Health Awareness Month carries a powerful meaning.
“It’s about recognising that lung disease can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness, or smoking history.”
Her lived experience has made her a passionate advocate for change — particularly in breaking down stigma and encouraging earlier diagnosis.
“It means challenging assumptions, advocating for better support, and turning personal loss into action and hope.”
In the lead-up to the trek, Sarah has been training both physically and mentally, balancing a busy life while staying committed to the challenge.
“I’ve been keeping up my fitness and adding more walks, especially trails — even when life gets busy.”
But it’s her mindset that keeps her going.
“I think about the battles my uncle and dad have faced — the treatment, the exhaustion — and it keeps me grounded in purpose.”
Through her fundraising, Sarah hopes to share a message that is simple, but urgent.
“Lung health matters. And lung cancer doesn’t discriminate.”
She wants others to understand the real impact of lung disease, not just physically, but emotionally for families.
“I’ve seen the heartbreak. The fear and uncertainty are real, and no one should face that alone.”
Her message to the community is clear:
“We need to change the story. Talk openly about lung disease, challenge stigma, and support research and early detection.”
For Sarah, this challenge is about more than reaching the finish line. It’s about creating hope.
“If we can raise awareness, save lives, and give families hope, then every step is worth it.”
Frances Scarrott-Goold, VIC
Based in Northcote, Victoria, Frances brings a strong sense of care and community to the Larapinta Adventure. Through her work, she supports people living with lung and heart disease, giving her a unique and deeply personal connection to the cause.
“I conduct classes for people with compromised lung and heart health; it’s something I care deeply about.”
Her decision to take part in the trek was inspired by the people she works with every day, and a desire to do more.
“My connection is with vulnerable people in our community, so I decided to fundraise for this very valuable cause.”
For Frances, it’s about raising awareness not just of lung disease, but of the importance of prevention and maintaining good health.
“It’s about helping people stay aware of a healthy lifestyle and looking after their lungs and heart.”
That same motivation is what drives her fundraising. She sees firsthand how important research and support are, particularly for communities who need it most.
“Fundraising helps Lung Foundation Australia continue their research and development for vulnerable communities.”
Having already walked the Larapinta Trail with a full pack, Frances knows exactly what lies ahead, but this time, the experience will be different.
“I’ve done the Larapinta before, but this will be a completely different experience.”
Her approach is simple and grounded.
“I’m just going to take the trip day by day.”
Through this challenge, Frances hopes to spark greater awareness around lung health, and the role research plays in improving outcomes.
“I hope my fundraising continues to raise awareness of how important research is for so many people.”
Her message to others is encouraging and practical, a reflection of her supportive nature.
“Give it a go and keep your lung and heart health front of mind.”
For Frances, success is about contributing to something bigger, ensuring vital work can continue.
“I hope to reach my goal so Lung Foundation Australia can keep doing their very important research.”
More than a trek
Each of these participants is taking on Larapinta for their own reasons — but they’re united by one shared purpose: To protect the gift of breath.
From hosting BBQs and trivia nights, to sharing their stories and stepping outside their comfort zones, every action is helping raise awareness of lung health and support people living with lung disease.
“Every step, every conversation, every dollar raised helps more Australians breathe easier.”
Be part of something meaningful
The Larapinta Adventure is more than a physical challenge — it’s a movement of people choosing to take action for lung health.
These stories are a reminder that you don’t have to do something extraordinary to make a difference — just something meaningful.
Because when it comes to lung health, every breath counts.
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