No Mate Left Behind

I'm fundraising for a great cause!

Recently, we lost a brother, best friend and mate to suicide.

It’s something that has hit hard and reminded me how important mental health support, genuine conversations and checking in on the people around us really is.

This challenge was originally going to be completed in support of a cancer foundation, something I still hope to do in the future. But because of recent circumstances, I’ve decided to dedicate this challenge to supporting the R U OK? Foundation and raising awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.

Because of this, from August 5th to October 13th, I’ll be taking on a new challenge to raise money and awareness for the R U OK? Foundation.

For 69 straight days, I’ll be running 16km (10 miles) every single day.

This challenge is about more than just running. It’s about starting conversations, checking in on mates, supporting people who may be struggling silently and helping remind people that they are never alone.

Over the years, I’ve learnt a lot about stress, self-sabotage and the importance of speaking up when life becomes overwhelming.

I won’t go into every detail, but one of the biggest struggles I faced was a gambling addiction that led me down a path I never thought I would find myself on. As a way of making sense of everything and explaining my situation, I ended up writing a book about that journey and the impact gambling addiction had on my life.

Originally, the book was only ever intended for my immediate family. I found it easier to put my thoughts on paper than to explain everything face to face. The purpose was simply to help the people closest to me understand what I had been through and how I got there.

The more I reflect on it, the more I realise I shouldn’t limit what that story could become. While I’m still on the fence about whether it will ever be published, I may just see where it takes me. If sharing my experiences can help someone recognise they're heading down a dangerous path, encourage them to ask for help, or show them that recovery is possible, then it could be worth sharing.

One thing I’ve learnt is that no matter how deep the hole feels, no matter how trapped or hopeless a situation may seem, it is possible to find your way back to a good place. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one person checking in, or one decision to ask for help.

If this challenge can encourage even one person to speak up, ask for help or check in on someone they care about, then every kilometre will be worth it.

Any support, donations or shares would mean a lot and will go directly towards supporting the work R U OK? does across Australia.

💛 Living for Livvy 💛

#RUOK #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #RunForMentalHealth #16kmADay #69Days #CheckInOnYourMates #YouAreNotAlone