Lizzie Williamson

A decade ago, Lizzie was at rock bottom, overwhelmed with the care of her baby and toddler while battling intrusive and suicidal thoughts. Ashamed and struggling, she told no one. Then, a doctor's simple words— “Put your oxygen mask on first”—changed everything. 
 
A few minutes of self-care exercise became a daily exercise routine, the Two Minute Moves - a movement helping countless people find strength and clarity through small daily actions. 

Challenge: Two Minute Moves

Today, as a speaker, author, and advocate, Lizzie is proud to join the Gidget 100,000 Challenge—helping to break the stigma around perinatal mental health and reminding parents to prioritise their wellbeing.

Watch her video here.

Marcelle Cooper

After years of infertility struggles and pregnancy loss, Marcelle finally welcomed her miracle baby. But instead of joy, she became consumed by anxiety, and the nagging feeling that she was unworthy of being a mother. 
 
Her breaking point came when she looked at her daughter one day and felt… nothing. In that moment, she knew she couldn’t keep going. Through her GP, she connected with a Gidget Clinician who helped her unburden herself and find coping strategies. 

Challenge: Couch to 5K

Determined to give back, Marcelle took on the City to Surf in 2024 to fundraises for Gidget Foundation Australia. This year, she’s again stepping up—going from  couch to 5K as part of the Gidget 100,000 Challenge to encourage parents to reach out, start talking, and know they’re not alone.

Trish Job

Challenge: 100km in 5 days

Trish is an inspiration in our community for so many reasons.  Supported by family and friends, she recently took on the Gidget 100,000 Challenge running 100,000 metres (100km) in just 5 consecutive days. She began at Gidget House in North Sydney on July 16 and crossed their final finish line with a 20km run from Chinamans Beach to Manly Beach on July 20. 
 
Each 20km leg represented the 1 in 5 Australian mums impacted by perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA), while the full 100 km stood for the 100,00 parents affected each year. 

Reflecting on her journey, Trish was humbled by the outpouring of support – not just from family and friends, but also new connections made along the way. Her fundraiser raised more than $3,700 and brought together so many people united by their shared experiences of parenthood and mental health.  

“The last 5 days have been incredible for so many reasons - talking to mums, dads and grandparents each day has definitely been the highlight. Each conversation was a reminder of the important services Gidget Foundation Australia provides that change lives.” 

Zoe Mawkes

Three months after giving birth to her son, Zoe began experiencing intense emotions - constant crying and anxiety and struggled to let anyone help her.

Encouraged by her fiancé she visited a GP where she broke down and was diagnosed with postpartum depression. Starting therapy and medication was difficult, but over time the weight began to lift. 
 
To help with her recovery journey Zoe turned to fitness, something she had always done to manage stress. Training for a marathon gave her purpose, and as she opened up about her struggles, she realised she could use her story to encourage others to speak up and seek help.

Challenge: 5 Hero WODs in 5 Hours 

Now, Zoe is passionate about raising awareness of perinatal depression and anxiety. She is taking part in the Gidget 100,000 Challenge, completing five Hero WODs (workout of the day) in five hours — one every hour for five hours. She will also hold an event in May to fundraise and raise awareness. She hopes that by speaking up, she can make a difference, and ensure no parent feels alone.