Three Forbes locals are getting ready to test their limits as part of Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge, a nationwide effort encouraging people to get “comfortable with being uncomfortable” and help tackle homelessness.
The Uncomfortable Challenge runs from Monday, 20 October through to 29 October, inviting participants to take on something tough for 10 days - whether that’s committing to a daily run, giving up hot showers, or even choosing a single “super day” to do something huge in one go.
The challenge was launched last year by Bedgerabong’s own Nedd Brockmann, who captured the nation’s attention with his epic 1000-mile run.
As people across the country joined in, the effort raised nearly $5 million for We Are Mobilise and the cause.
This year, locals Sam Johnston, Bill Ryan, and Sam Parish are stepping up to take on their own big goal, running 100 kilometres.
Last year, the trio were part of a group of locals who joined the 10 per cent challenge and ran 10 per cent of Nedd’s massive daily 161km target.
Johnston is from Corinella, just over from Bedgerabong, where Nedd grew up, so the families have known each other a long time.
As Nedd has dedicated himself to incredible efforts for charity - his 2022 run from Perth to Sydney raising some $2million for the homelessness - the entire community has been immensely proud.
When the locals heard about the Uncomfortable Challenge last year, their first thought was to jump on board and support the boy from Bedgerabong in any way they could.
Johnston, Parish and Ryan were also among the organisers of the inaugural Forbes Gala Ball in 2024, where they raised thousands for the cause and had the honour of hosting the inspirational Mobilise CEO Noah Yang and his team.
But they also committed to pounding the pavement in solidarity with Nedd.
“We were running 5km once or twice a week, so we reckoned we’d test ourselves and see if we could do a little bit more," Johnston said.
"We decided to do the 10 per cent last year and that was quite an achievement.”
The challenge of a 100km run has been brewing for a while, but Johnston’s focus has sharpened since he had to withdraw from a 100km charity walk in Sydney.
“I did a charity event, the Oxfam Trailwalker in Sydney, and I had to pull out 78km in with stress fractures in my feet, so I’ve got a bit of unfinished business with the 100km,” he admitted.
The invitation is open to everyone so, Forbes, are you ready to get uncomfortable?
All the details and sign-up information are available at neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com
Every dollar raised supports We Are Mobilise, a charity tackling homelessness across Australia.
Head to neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com to sign up and choose your challenge, or go online to