After spending her teens struggling with homelessness, Newcastle ultra-marathon runner Natalia Hogan is undertaking a trek to change lives.
And, on Saturday 25 October, she will run from Sydney to the former steel city without stopping as a part of famous Nedd Brockman’s ‘Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge’.
Over the course of one day, she’ll venture more than 170 kilometres continuously, in a feat she’s calling “Running Home”.
The journey will allow her to raise awareness and vital funds for people experiencing homelessness, a struggle Natalia knows all too well.
In her younger years, she was torn between family refuges and foster carers.
But, at just 14, she also faced the risk of homelessness.
Thankfully, welfare agency and not-for-profit organisation Samaritans provided her with temporary housing to keep her off the streets.
“I remember the first day I moved in,” said Natalia.
“I was just so excited… and I also had a big sense of relief.
“I was finally in a place where I was safe, it was stable, and it was mine.
“It was such a big highlight for me.
“If my 14-year-old self could see where I am now, she would be so proud and in a bit of disbelief.”
Now a student at the University of Newcastle (UoN), when she’s not running, Natalia spends her time studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
“I think the things I’ve been able to achieve and overcome since living in the Samaritans Student Accommodation has just been incredible,” she said.
“And, the opportunities I’ve had – even myself now, I can’t believe it.
“So, my 14-year-old self would be proud and amazed.”
Beginning in Sydney’s Observatory Park, Natalia will run for at least 22 hours, before finishing at Empire Park in Newcastle.
She hopes to raise a total of $122,000 to symbolise the number of Australians experiencing homelessness on any given night.
“I’m running to give back to the community that gave me a second chance,” Natalie explained.
“Every step I take is for the young people still searching for safety, for hope, for home.”
For more community stories:
- Male trekkers to drive meaningful change against domestic violence
- Jenny’s Place leading way to solve housing insecurity, homelessness woes
- Local student to shine at Schools Spectacular
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