The BRIGHT Walk is an epic one-night challenge with an ambitious aim to raise $1 million to help SAHMRI cure disease and save lives.

Facing mental and physical health disorders, personally or as a loved one of someone who is, can be a dark road, but health and medical research is providing hope.

The BRIGHT Walk is a metaphor for this challenging journey, marching a long road at night in the middle of winter, side by side with a united community.

On July 22, this year’s 15-kilometre route will take walkers past dozens of dazzling displays in the Illuminate Adelaide festival, plus exclusive experiences lighting up the darkness with life and colour.

The money raised goes to SAHMRI’s researchers, who are pushing towards life-saving discoveries, bringing the whole community closer to a brighter, healthier future.

SAHMRI is South Australia’s independent, not-for-profit health and medical research institute, turning discoveries in health and medical research into impact for the community to improve their lives and the health of all Australians.

Its headquarters are in the heart of Adelaide BioMed City, the largest health and medical research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere. It is home to around 700 researchers, partners, students and support staff.

This is the second time thousands of South Australians will take on the BRIGHT Walk together on one night.

Kate was one of the last year’s top fundraisers. She challenged herself to do the trek to raise awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a debilitating condition she struggles with daily.

“Living with a neurological disorder means each day is different; some days I can walk and talk, while other days I am left half paralysed,” Kate said.

“When you’re well, you don’t realise how much you can take life for granted. When you’re sick, you’re clinging onto every bit of health that you have.

“I did the BRIGHT Walk to remind myself that on my good days, I can do big things.”

Kate enlisted the support of her work colleagues, her friends and family to help her reach her goal. They knew it was a major effort and that every dollar raised would go towards something incredible.

“Everyone’s striving for the same collective goal in walking for a cause. The more we can find cures for these diseases and disorders, the better the world will be, and it all starts with us,” Kate said.

“I am walking again this year to keep up the fight. More research funding is sorely needed, and if I can help inspire others to join, then let’s get walking!”

Sharon was also motivated to walk the walk for reasons close to her heart. The event overlaps with the birthday of her late husband, who lost his life to cancer.

“He would’ve been 70 years old last year. I asked all of our family to honour his birthday by donating,” Sharon said.

“I’m hoping a cure for cancer can be found as it is very prevalent in my late husband’s family, and I am fearful for my children and grandchildren.”

Dr Andrew Shoubridge’s work at SAHMRI focuses on dementia

SAHMRI’s research spans four main themes: Precision Cancer Medicine, Lifelong Health, Women & Kids and Aboriginal Health Equity.

Within these themes, researchers are progressing across a vast array of health conditions, including blood cancer, paediatric brain cancer, preterm birth, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and many more.

Some of the funds raised by last year’s BRIGHT Walk are helping Dr Andrew Shoubridge prevent, detect and treat dementia.

“Dementia runs in my family, and I’ve witnessed the pain it causes loved ones when they are no longer recognised by their lifelong partner or parent,” Dr Shoubridge said.

“This motivated me to understand the changes in the brain that lead to this awful result and to find ways to prevent it from happening to others.

“My ultimate goal is to understand how dementia develops, why it presents differently in people, and identify ways of preventing it.

“Quality of life is significantly reduced not only for people with dementia but also for their carers and loved ones. I want to reduce the pain and impact dementia has on everyone connected to it.”

Walkers and their sponsors will be helping researchers, such as Andrew, in their mission to make the world healthier and happier.

Rally your workplace, get a group together or go it alone and make a real difference on July 22 by signing up for the 2023 Bright Walk now.