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Tess Hayes

2026 March On Challenge

Please support me to help our heroes march on

Raised

$854

My Goal

$836

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Day 18 — a beautiful morning, a special visit, and one chaotic dog

Day 18 turned on a beautiful morning — the kind of morning that makes you want to walk a little further just because it feels good. I headed out to the cemetery to check in on Dad, and it honestly lifted my heart to see his temporary plaque finally in place instead of the cement block. A small change, but such a meaningful one. My March On shirt also arrived yesterday, so I finally got to wear it with pride. There’s something grounding about pulling it on and knowing that simply by walking — and having a supportive group of people behind me — we’re making a real difference in someone’s life. Primrose, however, had absolutely no interest in sentiment today. She was a royal pain in the ass from the moment we started. I don’t know what mission she thought she was on, but she nearly detached my arm trying to get there. Pure chaos on four legs. Despite her antics, the walk felt fantastic — 7.3kms done, and every step felt worth it.

Day 13 - cold air, warm pride

This morning hit a crisp 7 degrees — cold enough that the jumper finally had to come out. Primrose didn’t care in the slightest, and trotted along like she owned the footpath, and I just followed her lead, breathing in the cold morning and letting it wake me up properly. Somewhere between the shivering start and Prim’s determined pace, it hit me: I’ve officially passed the halfway mark. 51kms done. That number felt good to say out loud. I’m not usually one to pat myself on the back, but today I’m feeling pretty proud of what these legs have carried me through so far. That brings me to a fun little milestone — I worked it out, and I’ve taken over 64,000 (extra) steps so far in March On. Sixty‑four thousand steps of showing up, moving forward, and being enthusiastically hauled along by Primrose. Halfway through the 96kms, and still going strong.

Day 8 — a warm start and one very keen dog

Day 8 I slept in today, so I missed that cooler, fresh early‑morning air I usually love. By the time we headed out it was sitting around 22 degrees — still warm, but nowhere near as humid as yesterday, which was a relief. Primrose didn’t mind the later start one bit. She was full steam ahead from the first step, dragging me along for the whole 5km like she had important business to attend to. Every rustle in the grass was apparently a rabbit worth chasing, and every puddle was the perfect spot to cool off before charging off again. It ended up being one of those easy, light walks where the kilometres just tick over without much thought — just sunshine, warm air, and a dog with far too much enthusiasm for wild life’s. Another 5km done, another day closer to the 96km for our veterans. As of today, I’ve reached 31kms.

Day 4 — walking in the quiet

Day 4 of my March On challenge began in a cool, muggy fog — the kind that softens the whole world and makes the town feel like it’s still asleep. Primrose came along for her usual morning adventure, trotting beside me as we set out for another 5km. The silence of the early morning felt like the right backdrop for where I was heading. Today’s walk took me out to visit Dad at the cemetery. The fog was thick around the headstones, and when I reached his, I noticed fresh sand had been spread over his grave. Something about that small change caught me off guard — a reminder that even in stillness, things shift, settle, and continue on. It felt grounding to stand there for a moment before moving on with the walk. There’s a calm that comes with walking before the town wakes — no cars, no noise, just footsteps, breath, and intention. These quiet kilometres remind me why I’m doing this: 96km to honour our veterans, including Dad, and to raise funds so others don’t have to carry their battles in silence. Foggy, peaceful, and meaningful in its own quiet way — Day 4 is done.

Day 1 - march on challenge begins

This morning marked the first step of my March On challenge: 96km throughout March to honour and support our veterans. The month opened with a cool, quiet morning and my little shadow Primrose trotting beside me as we knocked over the first 5km. I’m doing this for our veterans — and especially for my dad. He served, he suffered, and he carried more than most people ever knew. He never showed it, never complained, and never wanted anyone to worry. That kind of strength is something I’ll always admire, but it’s also something no veteran should have to shoulder alone. Walking this challenge is my way of honouring him and standing up for those who are still carrying their battles in silence. I don’t want any veteran to feel they have to suffer quietly or without support. They deserve resources, care, and a community that sees them. I’ve set a fundraising goal of $836, and every donation — big or small — goes directly toward helping veterans access the support they need to heal. If you feel called to contribute or simply follow along, your support means more than you know. One day down, many steps to go — and every one of them is for Dad and for the veterans who’ve given so much.

Support my challenge to prevent veteran suicide and save lives

Right now in Australia, at 42%, suicide is the leading cause of death for ex-serving males aged under 30 years old.

So, this March, I am walking to support Soldier On's mental health services and programs to help prevent veteran suicide and save lives.

It would mean so much to me if you donated to support my challenge so that we can show veterans and their families that they are not alone... we stand strong with them.

Together, let's help our heroes march on.

Thanks so much for your support.

So far, I have helped provide:

44

peer support
sessions

42

employment
support

2

psychology
sessions

...to support the mental health of our brave veterans to help them march on.

My Kokoda Track Journey

So far, I have marched:

79km

17kms until I have conquered the length of the Kokoda Track!

My goal to Kokoda:

96km

My Achievements

Thank you to my sponsors

Legend Rank

Champion Rank

Defender Rank

Ally Rank

$106.12

Patricia Hayes

$106.12

Jennifer Johnson

Keep up the good work Tess, thinking of you xxoo

$99.81

Tess Hayes

$85.48

Marley Holder

$79.30

Maree And Richie

Great cause Tess, keep those feet walking

$54.12

Tyleesha, Dave And Kids

We love you

$54.12

Alison Oliver

$54.12

Sharon Yeoman

Good job Tess. Your dad is watching over you ❤️

$54.12

Anonymous

$54.12

Love Chop

So proud of you LB as your dad would be too.

$54.12

Carmee

What a wonderful way to honour your Dad. Love you Tess ❤️

$40.37

Margaret Oglesby

Good luck Tess, your Dad will be very proud of you 👏 ❤️

$11.65

Ali M Xx

$106.12

Patricia Hayes

$106.12

Jennifer Johnson

Keep up the good work Tess, thinking of you xxoo

$99.81

Tess Hayes

$85.48

Marley Holder

$79.30

Maree And Richie

Great cause Tess, keep those feet walking

$54.12

Tyleesha, Dave And Kids

We love you

$54.12

Alison Oliver

$54.12

Sharon Yeoman

Good job Tess. Your dad is watching over you ❤️

$54.12

Anonymous

$54.12

Love Chop

So proud of you LB as your dad would be too.

$54.12

Carmee

What a wonderful way to honour your Dad. Love you Tess ❤️

$40.37

Margaret Oglesby

Good luck Tess, your Dad will be very proud of you 👏 ❤️

$11.65

Ali M Xx

Thank you to my Sponsors

$85.48

Marley Holder

$79.30

Maree And Richie

Great cause Tess, keep those feet walking

$54.12

Tyleesha, Dave And Kids

We love you

$54.12

Alison Oliver

$54.12

Sharon Yeoman

Good job Tess. Your dad is watching over you ❤️

$54.12

Anonymous

$54.12

Love Chop

So proud of you LB as your dad would be too.

$54.12

Carmee

What a wonderful way to honour your Dad. Love you Tess ❤️

$40.37

Margaret Oglesby

Good luck Tess, your Dad will be very proud of you 👏 ❤️

$11.65

Ali M Xx

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