City of Rockingham staff member off on Bloody Long Walk

The active mother loves to challenge herself and said charity events gave her added incentive.

Mrs Strachan will join more than 1000 others on September 25 for a 35km walk from Sir James Mitchell Park to Cottesloe Beach.

Funds raised go towards the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation to help find a cure for the debilitating disease. Mitochondrial disease is a potentially fatal genetic disorder that robs the body’s cells of the energy they need to function properly.

The ability to walk, run or even just stand up unaided can be a daily struggle for people with mitochondrial disease, which has few treatments and no cure.

Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation chief executive Sean Murray said while many ‘Bloody Long Walkers’ have a family member or friend affected by mito, most are just local residents keen for an active outdoor challenge that also helps a good cause.

Mrs Strachan (pictured above) said she had done challenges, such as the Great Wall of China and a cycle from Albany to Perth.

“Training is a way of life for me,” she said. “I train six days a week and enjoy running.”