After many years of suffering from depression, Nicole Gallas decided to bring mental health out from the shadows. In 2013, Nicky embarked on an extraordinary journey, which she named No More Excuses, walking the whopping 1,600 kilometres from Alice Springs to Adelaide to raise money and awareness for rural mental health. Nicky chose to walk alone to demonstrate that depression is a solo disease and that, while family and friends can offer encouragement, ultimately it is up to the person suffering the illness to make a positive change in their life. Over 48 days, Nicky raised more than $10,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Each day, Nicky donned her ‘healing pants’, on which were written the names of more than 60 people who lost their battles with mental illness, and stepped out to demonstrate the strength required of people suffering from depression. Nicky’s courage and commitment has inspired thousands of people to overcome their own obstacles in life.