Born and bred in Brisbane, Chelsea Bulley is someone who thrives on the outdoors, new challenges, and sharing experiences with the people she loves. Whether it’s hiking, swimming or rallying her mates around a good cause, Chelsea brings energy, heart and humour to everything she does.
What Chelsea values most about Lung Foundation Australia comes down to three things. First, the accessible resources and support offered not only to people living with lung disease or lung cancer, but also to their families. Second, the fundraising events, which Chelsea says have helped her raise both vital funds and awareness — with Plunge in for Lungs even inspiring her to take up swimming as a weekly habit. And finally, the advocacy work that drives real change.
“Recently, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program — the lives that are going to be saved through this, holy moly,” she says.
What inspired the challenge
Chelsea’s motivation to take on the Larapinta Adventure is deeply personal.
“My Mum and my Dad are the strongest people I know,” she says. “They’ve been dealt some blows, but they’ve always shared their story to help others, kept showing up with courage, and never lost their sense of humour.”
Taking on this challenge is Chelsea’s way of honouring that strength — choosing light and positivity even when things aren’t easy.
The Larapinta Adventure first caught her eye on Instagram. Already following Lung Foundation Australia, Chelsea saw the post and thought, holy heck, I can do this. Add in a long-held desire to visit the Northern Territory and a love of a good hike, and the idea quickly turned into a plan.
It also became the perfect opportunity to fundraise for a cause close to her heart. Her partner Riley was immediately on board, and she knew she could count on her best mate Georgia for encouragement (even secretly hoping she would sign up as well!).
“I’m coming in as the least fit of the three of us,” she laughs. “Riley and Georgia completed the 96km Kokoda Challenge Gold Coast last year, so they’re well primed for this.”
Hearing their stories — and seeing the pride and satisfaction that came with completing such a huge challenge — sealed the deal.
Why fundraising for lung health matters
Fundraising for Lung Foundation Australia is incredibly important to Chelsea, particularly because lung cancer has had a significant impact on her family.
“My Grandad passed away from lung cancer, and more recently, my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer,” she shares. “Funnily enough, Dad never touched a cigarette in his life and has always been fit and healthy.”
Three years on from a stage-four diagnosis, her dad is doing really well — but the journey has highlighted just how complex and aggressive lung cancer can be.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” Chelsea says. “I wish the lung cancer screening program had been in place earlier — it potentially could’ve detected Dad’s cancer at stage one.”
Chelsea is passionate about encouraging people to take their health seriously and get checked if something feels off. She’s also seen firsthand how opening up about health — physical and mental — gives others permission to do the same.
“The more I talk about this stuff, the more others open up too,” she says. “I’m really passionate about mental health and removing the stigma around it.”
Preparing for the Larapinta Trail
When it comes to the challenge itself, Chelsea is excited — especially about finally getting properly kitted out.
“We’ve done heaps of hiking around Australia, Canada and the UK,” she says. “But usually just in trail shoes with a backpack, snacks and a speaker. This time, I’ll be decked out in the freshest kit — worn-in shoes though, obviously.”
Through Georgia, the group connected with someone who had completed six days on the Larapinta Trail, which helped them feel mentally prepared. Physically, Chelsea is taking it in stride.
“I do footy training, games, swimming, and try to walk as much as I can,” she says. “Physically, she’ll be right.”
Having Riley and Georgia by her side is a big comfort. “We’ll get through it — blood, sweat and tears.”
One of her favourite parts so far has been the training hikes, including a recent walk through the Scenic Rim.
“Doing the prep work in some of the most beautiful mountains is incredible,” she says. “I cannot wait to walk on the red sand and watch the sunrise.”
Raising awareness, together
Since signing up and sharing details about her fundraising events, Chelsea has been overwhelmed by the support and curiosity from people at work, football, and among family and friends.
“So many people have asked what I’m doing and how they can get involved,” she says.
Even before completing the challenge, Chelsea feels the impact building. She loves talking about the adventure — 54km in the heart of the Northern Territory, meeting new people, stepping outside your comfort zone — all while supporting a cause that affects every one of us.
“Without lungs, we can’t breathe,” she says simply.
Looking ahead
By the end of the challenge, Chelsea hopes to have raised as much money and awareness as possible through events like a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle and a Trivia & Raffle Night — with the trivia night set to be a big, joyful thank-you to her parents, family and friends for their ongoing support.
“I’m loving the lead-up — planning the events, preparing for the hike, and doing this challenge with the guy I love and my best mate,” she says. “Sounds cheesy, but we’re doing the hard yards together.”
And that’s exactly what this challenge — and fundraising for lung health — is all about.
Support Chelsea’s Larapinta Adventure
Chelsea is taking on the Larapinta Trail to raise vital funds and awareness for lung health — and you can be part of that journey.
Every donation, big or small, helps us continue to provide critical support services, driving life‑saving research, and advocating for better outcomes for people affected by lung disease and lung cancer.
Together, we can help ensure more people have access to early detection, support, and hope — because lung health affects us all.
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