Belinda is climbing 50 peaks to fundraise for better access to breast screening
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Climbing one of the ACT’s many rolling peaks is a normal part of many Canberrans’ weekends. But how about climbing 50 in a row?
That’s exactly what Conder local, public servant and mum of two Belinda Lee-Makrides is about to achieve – in fact, as we write this, she’s just ticked off peak number 47 (Simpson’s Hill) – all in the name of better access to potentially life-saving breast cancer screenings in the ACT and beyond.
Belinda knows from personal experience how challenging this process can be.
“In October 2022 I found a lump in my breast when I went for a mammogram,” explains Belinda. Afterwards, she underwent an ultrasound and fine needle biology and was shocked at the cost. These scans and tests, combined with the accompanying doctor’s appointments had left her almost $1000 out of pocket.
“Medicare covers a small portion but not a lot. This got my attention. Because I was under 50, I was not eligible for the free government breast screen.”
“I’m 35 but I’ve met people who were diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at age 27. It doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone at any age.”
Worried that the cost could deter people from seeking scans, Belinda was determined to try and change the current system and is raising money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation by hiking 50 peaks in the ACT and surrounds.
“I wanted to bring awareness – to encourage people to not put off getting a scan, if you find something, get it checked – and to campaign for free breast screens for anyone under the age of 50 if they find any changes in their breasts.”
So, why choose conquering Canberra’s hills as a way to fundraise?
“I’ve always been an outdoorsy person, anyone who knows me, knows you can find me either on the water or up a hill, they’re my go-to places. I decided to combine my love of hiking and climbing with my fundraising awareness efforts.”
To start, Belinda chose smaller mountains and hills to build her endurance, slowly working up to larger challenges, with her eight-year-old daughter joining her on most of the climbs.
“When I started, it used to take me much longer to climb but I’m getting quicker and quicker and I believe anyone can do it at any age – just work your way up and keep yourself well hydrated and fuelled during the hikes. Comfortable clothes and boots are a must.”
For Belinda, this fundraiser has been about the cause, but has also delivered moments of stunning beauty.
“The beauty of nature when you’re at a summit and you realise how small we really are in our great big world…the most amazing thing is just sitting and listening to nature with no man-made sounds around you. Canberra really isn’t that small, you just have to explore past the urban areas.”
“I’ve learned how strong I am mentally and physically – even on a tough climb when I doubt myself I think back to the start and see how far I’ve come. Some days are worse than others, but anything is truly achievable. If anyone has a goal or dream you wish to achieve, I would say just go for it and you might surprise yourself, you never know till you try but if you don’t try you will never know.”
Belinda still needs to have yearly screenings and check-ups because she’s at a higher risk and knows this will come with more costs.
“I might need further intervention in the future,” she says. “I was also diagnosed with a blood disorder during this period so I’m lucky they picked it up along the way…the only issue is the cost of scans and test adds up.”
As for her favourite peaks of the 45 she’s climbed so far, she says her top five are: Booroomba Rocks, Shanahan’s Mountain, Lunatic Hill (“just how crazy its location is and [that] it’s an open cut mine”), Mount Tennent and Big Monk Summit. She’ll also be conquering Mount Kosciuszko (with her daughter too!) as part of the fundraiser.
If you ever wanted some outdoorsy weekend inspiration (with a feel-good cause at its core), Belinda’s journey might just be it.
Photos supplied.
