A FORMER Bendigo woman is preparing to walk from Ballarat to Bendigo in memory of her son who took his own life in 2002.

Jeanette Hartley will walk the 210 kilometres along the Goldfields Track to raise money for suicide prevention ahead of what would have been her son Adam’s 31st birthday. 

This is the third time Ms Hartley has made the trek, which she does while wearing a tutu.

Ms Hartley said the tutu symbolised the need to find fun and joy in life, as well as the different layers of each person’s personality.

“It’s also useful because I can use it as my pillow at night,” she laughed.

Ms Hartley said she would be joined by people at different points along the trek, all of whom would be similarly attired. 

Her sister will hike the full distance with her. 

Ms Hartley will leave Ballarat on Wednesday and plans to arrive in Bendigo the following Friday. 

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