Login
Login

Kerrie Adams

I am walking 25km for sick and injured kids.

Walk Me Home day.

"To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength."
                                                  -Criss Jami

Each day I read from a meditation book designed to help you heal after loss. The quote above was for today March 30. It has summarised my experience with doing this walk.

It is no secret that Tom's death from his life in this world shattered me in ways that words can't describe. My loss is still raw and in the grief world I am still considered to be in the early stages of loss. However I knew that it was time to move with the grief. I will be grieving until I am with him again and I am okay with that.

I made reference in an earlier post about my inability to let others in and be a part of my grief, that was until now. Each and every one of you who sponsored me, sent me messages, commented on my posts, trained with me and wished me luck along the way have helped me feel the love and support. I have leaned into all of you and you were there to hold me up and bear witness to the most difficult thing I have had to endure.

A special shout out to Alison who held my hand and walked the 25km with me today through wind, rain, up hills, across puddles and up and down many, many flights of stairs.

The walk was breathtakingly beautiful, the weather extremely patchy and we were pretty happy to reach RMH. We had some beautiful supporters come and walk the last kilometre with us which was extremely special. As all of you had donated so much we also had the VIP lunch and soaked up the party atmosphere at the finish line.

A few statistics:
- 25 km walk
- 2534 walkers
- $1 117 626 raised for the families at RMH
- that pays for 6988 nights of family accommodation.

Take a bow my supporters you have helped make something wonderful happen.

To my boy in heaven I will continue to honour you with every step I take - you are in my heart!

Ronald McDonald House

Last week, Darren and I were fortunate to attend a special event at Ronald McDonald House (RMH). RMH accommodates 31 families whose children are either sick or injured and they live more than 100km away from the hospital. Last year 860 families stayed at the house. The average stay is 2 weeks and the longest stay has been 3.5 years. RMH does a wonderful job of providing a comforting space for families during what must be an incredibly difficult time. Things like a fully stocked pantry, a meal cooked at the end of a long day in hospital as well as a learning program connected to the hospital school and a quiet space for parents were just some of the things we saw.

We spoke with a Dad and his beautiful 8 year old who first came to RMH when she was 2 months old. This family are from Darwin and  they were helicoptered to the hospital and arrived within 20 hours of her receiving a diagnosis. He said they would have had no idea of where they would have ended up without RMH.

The demand for a room at RMH far exceeds the ones available. We were told if they had 80 rooms available they could fill them every night.

I am even more grateful to all my sponsors now that I have a better understanding of what exactly your money will do for the families at RMH. Together you, Tom and I, have paid for 63 nights of family accommodation at RMH!

Last year this walk raised over $900 000 for the house. This year they are aiming for $1 000 000. If you are reading this and you haven't had the chance to sponsor me and you do have the capacity to donate a small amount, it is not too late. Thank you to each and every one of you for helping me and helping RMH.

I have raised over $10 000 for RMH!

Last night I received a donation that lifted my fund raising efforts to over $10 000 for RMH!
Every donation has been generously provided by you my extraordinary supporters.
Thank you to each and every one of you.. I also want to thank you for helping me honour Tom, for giving me the opportunity to say his name and to post pictures of him. I want to thank you for bearing witness to my grief and for helping me ensure that Tom's memory will live on and contribute to something meaningful in the great work that is done for families at Ronald McDonald House.
I will be holding you all close as I complete the 'Walk Me Home' course on March 30.

My supporters.

When I signed up to do this walk I was hesitant to ask for sponsors on Facebook. I haven't really been on Facebook very much at all in the last few years. I was on it even less after Tom died. I actually said to Darren on the night I first posted that if I didn’t get any sponsors I would just donate what we could afford to give.


Looking back I can see I just wanted to be left alone with my grief. I didn’t want the burden of having to do or say anything that would make people feel less uncomfortable. Being with someone who is deeply grieving is messy, painful and requires you to lay everything of your own down - I didn’t feel like I could ask that of others. Instead I sat and nursed my grief, tended to it and tried to understand what had happened. I was fortunate that Darren was able to bear witness to my pain and we could walk together on this devastating journey.  In reality what I also needed was to be courageous enough for my grief to be on display so I could receive the compassion I needed to help me understand that we are not on our own in this.


Well since signing up for this walk and posting about my story I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have been shown. The words of encouragement, emails and peoples comments have shown me that it is important to live your grief out loud so others who are waiting to support you have an opportunity to do so.


When I woke up on the morning after I had first posted about my walk, I cried as I saw that not only had people sponsored me but that I had far exceeded my goal and my supporters had written the most heartfelt words of encouragement. This was to continue every single day that followed.


So who are these supporters?

The kind people who have given so generously and sponsored me are the following:

  • My family - my brothers, my nieces and nephews and their partners.My cousins, my sister-in-law and my mother-in-law

  • So many friends - friends I went to school with, one who will hold my hand as I walk on the day,  friends I met at teachers’s college, friends I have worked with (some from my very first school), friends whose children I taught, friends who I met on a cruise over 30 years ago, friends that I met through Darren, friends who I met through other dear friends, friends from my mother’s group with Tom, friends who are neighbours,  friends that I met when my kids went to school, friends of Tom’s, friends that I met because Tom was friend’s with their son, friends that I met through my girls, friends from our time in the US, friends who started as exercise buddies but are now much more, friends who have very recently had their own devastating loss, friends who are battling a serious diagnosis and friends that I am fortunate to be working with now.


The connection and support that each of my supporters has provided is a soothing balm to my grieving heart and it will never be forgotten.


Thank you to each and every one of you.


If you are reading this and you have not had the opportunity to sponsor me it is not too late. Every dollar helps and is so appreciated.



New shoes and Sober Songs!

Today was my longest walk to date. It was a sultry Sydney day as the remnants of the cyclone up north caused a bit of an energetic shift in the weather. Today Beccie was in Edinburgh and I got to have a lovely catch up as she prepared for her night on the town.

I then headed for some coffee and connection time with lovely supporters of mine and then set off. I walked through Lane Cove, up to Greenwich and down through Waverton. I had a lovely stop at Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden at Lavendar Bay. Wendy was out talking with all the tourists as I passed through.

Tom was with me all the way. As I turned into Rocklands Rd I remembered the day he was born. Darren and I walked that hill early on the morning of July 5, 2001.  I was being induced and once my waters were broken they sent us off to try and get things moving. I also remembered holding him in my arms on the night he was born and hearing a voice in my head say 'He is only on loan to you'. I have thought about that message so many times over the years.

As I approached the harbour at Kirribilli, the large cross of St. Aloysius College loomed in front of me. I looked up to the roof and remembered all the school events we had attended with Tom. I remembered the email we got from the Principal when the boys trespassed onto the school roof the morning after the valete dinner - to watch the sunrise, and that they had CCTV of over 80 boys involved in this deeply disappointing event.

Throughout the day I walked 19km. In my ears, I listened to music as well as a great audio book recommended by a friend. I can't help thinking that Tom helps with the random music selection. I needed some Rock so did the random shuffle and got 'Be With You' by the Angels. I then went onto Tom's Spotify list which is titled 'Sober Songs'. Once again I hit shuffle and the first song I got was by Eminem.

I listened, although not a big fan and this is what I heard:

"I'm not afraid (I'm not afraid)
To take a stand (to take a stand)
Everybody (everybody)
Come take my hand come (come take my hand)
We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just lettin' you know that you're not alone
Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road"

Then the very next song as I stopped to look across the harbour was Louis Armstrong's "What a wonderful world". The timing could not have been any better.

I arrived home a good 5 hours after my departure - definitely not setting any speed records but I did manage to stretch and reflect. It is comforting to feel my relationship with Tom continue and evolve. This is the kind of relationship I never wanted but it is the one I have been given and I will nurture it and continue to love him through it all.

Thank you to all my generous supporters. I think about you all as I walk and I hope you get to feel a part of this special event that you have helped create.

PS The new shoes were fabulous and no blisters as yet!

Stand up, now, walk, and live.

This morning I set off in the dark to try and beat the Sydney heat. My early start was rewarded with a half hour call with Beccie in Leeds who was about to get ready for a Friday night out!
I have lived in Sydney all my life and have never walked over the Gladesville Bridge. Today was the day with a walk to Drummoyne and back - a total of 16km.
I loved walking as the sun came up. It was cloudy and  moody. The photo was taken from the middle of the bridge as the harbour started to wake up. 
Often as I walk I have conversations with Tom in my mind. Today I could hear his voice clearly saying "You've got this Mum". I was listening to one of my Spotify playlists and 'You are mine' came on. This was a hymn we played at Tom's funeral. After acknowledging Tom's encouraging words in my head I was blown away by the next lines in the hymn: 
"I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live"

It is most definitely time to move with the grief. Grief is not pain, it is a reaction to a very painful experience. It will be with me forever and I am okay with that. The time I spent sitting with it, nursing it and trying to understand it is now over. I will now stand with it, walk with it and live with it.

Thank you to all my wonderful supporters who are bearing witness to my journey and helping lots of families with sick kids along the way.

Training

Just a quick update for all my generous supporters. My training is progressing. I do my long walks on a Saturday and have been impacted by the humidity so has been nice to wake  up to some cooler weather today.
During the week I tackle a few hills to ensure my heart rate increases. Moving my body does help move my grief. The big feelings sit just below the surface and I’m learning to process while I’m moving. Tom is never far away and this new relationship I have with him is developing as I train for this walk and think of those kids who also need their families close by as they battle with illness.

Support my 25km walk for sick kids

On Sunday 30 March, I'm walking 25km for seriously ill and injured children and their families.

For sick kids staying at Ronald McDonald House in Randwick, they just want their families close as they battle childhood diseases, illnesses and injuries.

On average, it costs $160 to support a sick child and their family for one night.

Please support my 25km walk to keep families together as they face the most difficult journey of their lives. 

Together, we can show these brave kids that we're fighting for them.

Thank you.

MY IMPACT

So far, this year I have provided:

66

Nights for sick kids and their families

1,049

Hot meals from the family kitchen

210

School lessons for sick kids

My Legacy

In 1 years, I’ve raised...

  • $10,487

    2025

Please sponsor my 25km walk for sick kids

Raised

$10,487

My Goal

$480

Select amount to donate

$80
$160
$320
$480
$
Donate

My Achievements

Thank you to my Sponsors

$333.76

Dominique Kelly

$208.60

Patrick Mccann

Go Kerrie!!! ❤️

$168.80

Michelle Savage

Great cause Kerrie, sending you love and thoughts xx

$168.80

Robyn Paul

$168.80

Lynne Adams

He will be beside you all the way Kerrie. xxx

$168.80

Dom Mccann

Love this Kerrie. Im sure your beautiful boy will be with you every step of the way xoxo

$168.80

Sue Sinko

Tom would be so proud of you, Kerrie. A great way to honour your beautiful boy…

$168.80

Joanie

Thinking of Tom as you walk in his honor . This is beautiful Kerrie . Sending you all lots of love

$168.80

Lyndal

You are amazing Kerrie xx

$168.80

Dayna And Rusty Murdaugh

This is a lovely thing you are doing and I truly hope it brings you lots of healing energy.

$168.80

Pamela Hussey

In honour of Tom and his beautiful family x

$168.80

Mary Anne Malone

Good on you Kerrie-Anne! An amazing way to aid with healing yourself and others.

$168.80

Matched By Generous Donors

Much love Kez xxx in Tommy’s memory

$168.80

Linda

Sending love. ❤️

$168.80

Peter Johnson

$168.80

Sarah Johnson

$168.80

Debra Lynn Eden

Let’s get to the top!!!

$168.80

Matched By Generous Donors

$168.80

Jude, Neil And Rory

Go Kerrie, enjoy every step 😀💪💙

$168.80

Linda Mcfadden

$168.80

Laura Woodbury

$168.80

Steve Baldwin

Go Kez - great cause

$168.80

Cathy Gill

$168.80

Veronica

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

$168.80

Nat Eshman

Much love Kez xxx in Tommy’s memory

$168.80

Cheryl Mcevoy

Love this, keep updating us on your training and journey to 30 March and beyond xx

$168.80

Graham Johnson

All the very best for your walk Kez, it’s a great cause.

$160

Nicola Mayes

You are awesome 🤩

$160

Margaret Morris

Stay strong Kerrie. You're amazing x

$158.25

Emma Gooding

$106.12

Lisa Boland

Dear Kerrie, I will be thinking of you as you walk and talk with Tom on the 30th. It will be such an incredible achievement and a wonderful contribution to an important cause. Cheering you on!

$106.12

Paul Johnson

$106.12

Mark Paul

Go Kezza

$106.12

Sam Mcgregor

Go Kerrie!

$106.12

Kylie K

You’re an amazing person doing something amazing! Much love x

$106.12

Jackie Pickton

❤️❤️

$106.12

Gita

$106.12

Nicole Upfold

Proud of you and what a beautiful way to acknowledge Tom xx

$106.12

Jo W

Tom would be so proud xxx

$106.12

Anna Panetta

So proud of you and will support you all the way! ❤️

$105.50

Jamie White

I am with you and thinking of you Kerrie xx

$105.50

Hilary

Go Kerrie! A great cause

$105.50

Michael Scanlon

Will be thinking of you and Tom as you walk 25klms. Wonderful cause.

$105.50

Mvsi

Such a wonderful cause Kerrie, and Tom would be very proud xx

$105.50

Nerelle

Thinking of Tom x

$105.50

Paul & Sharon Leggerini

Great tribute and cause Kerrie xxxx

$105.50

Dominique Smallcombe

What a wonderful event to be part of and share Tom’s joy & spirit 💜💙🩷

$103.72

Tanya O'gorman

❤️

$100

Patrick Johnson

$85.48

Jessica

What a special way to honor your Tom!

$85.48

Ellen Johnson

$85.48

Hayden Rath

$85.48

Anonymous

$85.48

Caroline

Your precious son will be walking with you every step of the way 💙

$85.48

Lee Niles

I know you will feel Tom running beside you all the way, surrounded by others expressing their love for others in need of healing and care. Blessings. Lee 🙏

$85.48

Andrée & Paul

So special Kerrie xx

$85.48

Georgia Sutherland

This is amazing Kerrie! Well done 😊

$84.40

Julia

All the best in your goal to raise money for this very important cause, Kerrie. 💕

$84.40

Kara & Jeff May

Much love to you and your family. 🙏🏻

$84.40

Kaz Mccabe

$84.40

Brad Johnson

You got this, Kerrie! I’m sure Tom will be there right by you side for the walk ☺️

$83.56

Maryanne De Bono

Tom would be so proud of you Kerrie. Will be thinking of you on the day.

$80

Kerrie Reid

What a beautiful way to honour your beautiful boy Kerrie. I hope it brings some healing. X

$80

Joanne Scardilli

Kerrie sending you lots of positive thoughts ❤️

$75.14

Glen And Tony

$64.67

Linda Morris

You are amazing Kerrie! Xx

$59.41

Anonymous

This is such a wonderful cause to support. Well done Kerrie.

$59.41

Manuella

My heartfelt condolences for your boy. I’m sending you strength and love so much love. 💕

$54.12

Noha & Harry Walker

Well done Kerrie ❤️

$54.12

Trish

What a champion effort Kerrie. Tom would be proud of this 💖💖💖💖💖

$54.12

Angela And Troy Mackriell

What a beautiful way to remember Tom. X

$54.12

Julie O'gorman

$54.12

Anonymous

Hi Kerrie. You’re an inspiration! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

$54.12

Tanya Lorimer

Go Kerrie. Xx

$54.12

Zoe Taffa

You are inspiring Kerrie ❤️

$54.12

Justine Slater

Sending so much love Kerrie. ❤️

$54.12

Ian P

Well done keza

$54.12

Maryanne Thorne

Sending you a huge cheer and big hug as you take on the Walk Me Home challenge! It's a great thing you're doing Kerrie to support a wonderful charity that makes a real difference for families going through tough times.

$54.12

Jilanne Littlechild

$54.12

Rochelle

Love to you Kerrie x

$54.12

Kathy Aubin

Well done incredible lady xx

$54.12

Tracey Turri

Wishing you the very best - what a beautiful way to honour Tom’s memory.

$54.12

Helen Kingham

Good luck Kerrie. Ronald McDonald house do such an amazing job!

$52.92

Anonymous

💕🙏

$52.92

Jem

💙

$52.92

Danielle Schembri

Remembering your beautiful Tom as you walk for him. 💙

$52.75

Susan & Suzy

You’re amazing Kerrie. Sending lots of love Suzy & Susan xoxo

$52.75

Anonymous

This is really amazing❤️‍🩹

$52.75

Betsy

We are thinking of you and your beautiful family. Love, Betsy and Matt

$52.75

Allyson

You have got this

$52.75

Christine Cronin

What a great cause Kerrie. I’m sure Tom would be so proud of you xox

$52.75

Amber, John & Ruby A

Best wishes Kerrie! A wonderful cause.

$52.75

Maxene

Thinking of you often Kerrie. M

$52.75

Sam

Well done Kerrie. You are extraordinary

$50

Dorothy Brailey

Such a worthy cause

$47.48

Helen

With love and courage she moves xoxo

$43.60

Lydia Arbon

Amazing work Kerrie x

$33.15

Anne Spiteri

Love you Kez.

$31.65

Annelies Grogan

$27.81

Anonymous

In loving memory of your beautiful Tom xx

$25

Mandy Carr

Sending love xo

$22.58

Matched By Generous Donors

Amazing job, love you Auntie Kerrie. In memory of Tom x

$22.58

Elizabeth Painter

$22.58

Isabella Eshman

Amazing job, love you Auntie Kerrie. In memory of Tom x