Brooke McIntosh’s journey around Australia continues to inspire and challenge her every day. Week 7 saw her pushing through tough moments, meeting new faces, and having life-changing conversations—while keeping the focus on her mission: raising awareness and funds for mental health.
The week started off with a familiar struggle—Brooke’s knee was still giving her trouble. Despite the pain, she wasn’t backing down. Her mantra “JUST ONE MORE” kept her going, one step at a time. Even when she could only manage 10 to 15 kilometres, it was a victory. Through rest, recovery, and support from the local community, Brooke’s knee began to heal, allowing her to get back to her target distances.
The support crew also saw some changes this week. Brooke welcomed Kate to the team, who will be helping out on the journey for the next couple of weeks. Kate’s presence on the ground gave Rowan, the support team member who had been with Brooke since the start, a much-needed hand. Kate shared her excitement about joining the team, eager to contribute to this monumental cause.
The community support continued to be overwhelming. Brooke had a podiatrist appointment in Gawler that left her heart full of gratitude for the local community’s generosity. She also held an event in Adelaide, where the connections were deep and the conversations powerful. From body image and mindset shifts to eating disorders and mental health, the people who attended were brave enough to share their struggles and ask tough questions. The open, vulnerable conversations made the event unforgettable for everyone involved.
One particular moment that stood out during the Adelaide event was a conversation with a man who was going through a tough time after his ex-wife left him. He had given up his career to focus on family and now, facing mental struggles, he was working to rebuild himself. Brooke shared how these conversations always hit close to home, as they serve as a reminder of why this journey is so important—mental health struggles are real, and people need the space and encouragement to talk about them.
Brooke also received words of encouragement from a local man who wasn’t even there for the event. He had come in for a beer, but after watching the documentary and hearing Brooke speak, he became deeply moved by her journey. This serendipitous encounter was a reminder that you never know who needs to hear your message. It’s not just about the people who show up—it’s about the impact you have on everyone, even those who aren’t actively involved.
In the middle of it all, Brooke took a moment to reflect on her journey. On Easter weekend, she shared with her followers that she had already covered enough distance for the entire country to indulge in their Easter eggs without worrying about calories. She joked, “I’ve done the calorie-burning for you, so please donate $5 to the cause!” She encouraged everyone to cherish the moments with their loved ones and shared how much this journey has meant to her. The conversations, the connections, the awareness—everything was worth the sacrifice.
Her words from Easter still ring true:
“I’m out here running not for a world record (though that’s a bonus), but to raise awareness and funds for mental health, so no one experiences the depths of the darkness alone. Mental health is a silent pandemic that too many Australians face every day, yet most are afraid to talk about it. But I will. And I encourage everyone to have ‘JUST ONE MORE’ conversation wherever you go.”
Brooke’s call to action? She asked for a small donation to keep the momentum going:
Donate here → https://just-one-more.raiselysite.com/
All donations go to the Blue Tree Project, a mental health charity that’s doing incredible work around Australia.
Looking ahead to next week, Brooke’s target is to continue pushing towards the finish line, raising more awareness, and making sure that mental health is no longer a taboo topic. The distance may be long, but the goal is clear: Keep moving, keep talking, and keep inspiring others to be a part of the change.