A SIX-DAY, 350km cycling trip of Cambodia early next year will hold special meaning for Golden Square resident Tara Stomann.
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The 25-year-old is a volunteer for Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee's telephone counselling service and the fundraising cycle tour she will take part in, alongside about 20 others, will raise money for Lifeline Australia.
Ms Stomann, who will head off in early February with a team of about 20 others, believes she is the only Lifeline volunteer taking part in the fundraiser.
"This trip is designed to raise funds for the new online chat services at Lifeline," she said.
She said Lifeline recently saw the need to expand online services for people in need of support who felt they couldn't talk over the phone.
The team hopes to raise $80,000 while Ms Stomann has a personal fundraising goal of $3500.
Ms Stomann, who has a background in social work, began as a Lifeline volunteer at its Bendigo-based service about a year ago.
"It’s just really humbling to be able to listen to peoples stories... I feel so honoured that people share some of the things that people do with me," she said.
"It’s just such a wonderful feeling when you are able to help someone and hear them going from tears to laughter.
"When you have people actually thank you for saving their life; I can't even describe it, it’s just amazing."
She said there were also personal reasons for wanting to embark on the trip and to support Lifeline Australia, including a period of unemployment not long ago.
"I was struggling to find work, doing bits here and there but really wanted to do something to challenge myself," she said.
"I like doing that anyway but I was sort of coming to a bit of a stop in life, struggling to get a job, not really doing much, then this opportunity presented itself and I thought, wow, this is amazing."
Ms Stomann, who has a vision impairment, said the cycling trip would present its challenges but was also a way of showing herself what she was capable of.
"Sometimes I find myself thinking about the things I can’t do, and then things like this remind me of what I can do," she said.
"I’m really confident I can do it. I am going to do it and it’s going to be amazing."
Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee chief executive Leo Schultz said Ms Stomann's choice to volunteer with the service was "really impressive".
"Her choice to participate in the bike ride is another way to contribute, so it continues what she is doing for Lifeline in general and Australians in crisis," he said.
To donate to Ms Stomann's fundraiser, visit www.gofundraise.com.au and search for Tara Stomann.
If you or someone you know needs help phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.