The challenge will help raise money for a hardship scholarship that helped her through the past four years of study for a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

“I want other students to have the same opportunity,” she said.

The Lower Belford woman was financially disadvantaged toward the end of high school while her father battled poor mental health.

The family business was dissolved and Miss Nichols did her best to support everyone emotionally as the eldest of three siblings.

“There was a lot of worry, but I also wanted to keep my mum and sisters on track,” she said.

“At the same time, it was a driving force in my studies.

“Mum always said education was power and once you had that degree no one caould take it away from you.”

Miss Nichols set her sights on a degree at the University of Newcastle.

“I’ve always wanted to do something in health and help people,” she said. “It has been hard at times.”

The 21-year-old has also played an important part in her dad’s treatment, alongside him at various appointments in Newcastle to support his recovery.

“Advocacy is something I want to do more of,” she said. “Mental health still isn’t widely viewed as an illness and there’s still that stigma.”

Her mum throughout all this has battled to keep the family home. 

The Shaping Futures scholarship has helped take some of the pressure off Miss Nichols financially.

The end is in sight now. Miss Nichols is mid way though her practicum at Maitland Hospital.

In September she will join 15 other people in China as part of the university’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

They will walk 50 kilometres in five days to mark the occasion.

Each of the trekkers will seek sponsorship to bolster the scholarship’s resources. 

“I hadn’t really thought about China too much until they invited me,” Miss Nichols said.

“When they asked me I really wanted to take part because [the scholarship] has helped me.”

To support the cause visit http://50kmfor50years.everyday hero.com/au/annie-nichols.