Seven paediatricians have gone from walking the wards to combing the coast as part of the Sydney Coastrek.

The group, made up of seven from Royal North Shore Hospital and one from Bankstown Hospital – participated in the 30 kilometre walk from Long Reef to Middle Head to help raise much needed funds for Beyond Blue. 

Together, the two teams of four women raised $5840, with all walkers combining for a mammoth total of more than $1.6 million for Beyond Blue. 

Dr Carola Wittekind said it was rewarding but also a tough trek, even if they managed to dodge the deluge of rain.

“The trek was not without challenges but together we got through, including climbing the endless stairs up to Middle Head Road right at the end,” she said.

Carola thanked those who supported the teams, including Dr Eveline Staub, who served up home baked muffins and tea on little Manly Beach.

“I would also like to thank our male colleagues Eric Chung and Hugh Allen for ‘holding the fort’ at RNSH while we were out trekking,” she said.

“All of us know the difficulties of going through personal challenges. It was a privilege to experience firsthand the wonderful benefits of physical activity in the company of good friends in nature.”