Temora High School student Addie Crawford is preparing to go outside her comfort zone, one foot in front of the other, on a 150-kilometre run to raise money and awareness for people experiencing homelessness. Addie will take on the Nedd Brockmann Uncomfortable Challenge, running 15 kilometres a day for 10 consecutive days between 19 October and 28 October around Temora in support of We Are Mobilise. She was initially inspired to take up the challenge by her uncle, Jason Hobson. However, after watching the Nedd Brockmann documentary, Addie learned more about homelessness and the people working to support those doing it tough. “He (Nedd) is also so passionate about helping people who are doing it tough and struggling to make ends meet and that really inspired me,” Addie said. “I started learning more about homelessness in Australia — how people can end up homeless, why it happens and what they actually need to help keep them safe and get them back on their feet. “That’s when I learnt more about We Are Mobilise and the work they do. “I couldn’t believe that it’s only $36 to help support someone to sleep off the streets for a night. “We Are Mobilise is such an inspirational organisation and I thought if I can push myself and get uncomfortable for 10 days to help people who are doing it tough every day, then I definitely want to give it a go.” Addie’s preparation for the challenge has involved plenty of running. “I’ve been training really hard and I was also lucky enough to go on the school’s Darwin Safari, which actually gave me some pretty awesome places to train,” she said. “One of the highlights was doing a 10 km run around Uluṟu, which was amazing. “I’ve also been working with Brett Mathison, who has been helping me get ready for the challenge. “I’ve never done anything like this before — 15 km a day for 10 days is a lot, so I’m trying to make sure I’m as ready as I can be, but I think part of the challenge is that it is supposed to be uncomfortable.” Addie will run different tracks and routes around Temora and is encouraging locals to join her for part or all of the challenge. “If anyone wants to come and run, walk or ride with me, even if it’s only for part of the 15 km, please come along,” she said. “I think having people from the community joining me will make those kilometres a lot easier, especially towards the end when my legs probably won’t be very happy with me.” Addie has already raised an impressive $5000 toward her $10,000 target, but she is determined to increase the tally for a great cause. “Even if someone can’t donate a huge amount, it doesn’t matter; every donation adds up,” she said. “If lots of people give a little bit, together we can make a massive difference. “Please get behind me, Temora — let’s get to $10,000. “You can sponsor me, share my fundraising page with your friends and family, or come out and join me for part of one of my runs.” Anyone wishing to help Addie can donate on her fundraising page at https://www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/fundraisers/adelencrawford/challenge-2026 Addie also congratulated Cassie Coddington on winning a $250 Rebel voucher for donating to the cause, while thanking everyone who has already supported her. She said one of the things she had learnt through the challenge was that homelessness could happen to all sorts of people and for many different reasons. “If you or someone you know is doing it tough, sleeping rough or worried about becoming homeless, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help,” Addie said. “We Are Mobilise works to support people experiencing homelessness and helps connect people with support and services.” More details at https://wearemobilise.org.au Since Nedd’s first run in 2022, We Are Mobilise has helped more than 1,500 people into stable housing. Last year, the challenge raised $1.6 million for We Are Mobilise, with a target of $2 million this year.
