Local Lads Take On Challenge Of 10-Hour Relay For Lifeline

After learning of the dramatic increase in calls to Lifeline Australia, Blue Mountains boys, Matthew Tojic and Shannan Wood made it their personal mission to raise awareness and funds for the crisis support and suicide prevention services provided by the national charity.

This is no easy feat the boys have to pull off.

They will push a hand trolley 100km, alternating at each kilometre, from Del Rio Riverside Resort at Wisemans Ferry on Saturday, January 21.

Oh, did we forget to mention that the trolley will be filled with 100 bags, each weighing 1kg?

For each kilometre they travel, they can offload one bag leaving them with just one bag, 1kg, for the final kilometre.

They hope to help remove barriers that get in the way of people seeking help when they need it.

Their efforts should also expand conversations and raise much-needed funds for Lifeline.

Inspired by their own personal experiences and understanding that many people, particularly men, are frightened to share their feelings with others.

Matthew said the idea for the event came from his realisation that there were quite a few men in his circle, including himself, that don’t talke about their feelings enough.

“It’s easy to slip into dark states of mind and I thought this event could act as a reminder for people that there are dedicated services, provided by organisations like Lifeline, who are always there to listen,” Matthew said.

“What we are planning has a symbolic meaning - we are encouraging everyone to share the load by speaking out, so the weight of what you are feeling is easier to carry.”

The lads need your help to raise their goal of $5,000 which allows Lifeline to answer 128 calls from those in their darkest moments.

You can donate at https://fundraise.lifeline.org.au/fundraisers/relayforlifeline/relay-for-lifeline.

Each year, over one million Australians reach out to Lifeline for support.

As Christmas draws near, Lifeline prepares for its busiest time of the year where the high volume of people reaching out for support is driven by increased personal stressors in the community - heightened financial pressures, increased family conflict, loneliness, isolation or the grief of having lost a loved one.

The latest ABS data tells us that 8.6 Australians die every day by suicide.

Lifeline Australia offers 24-hour crisis and suicide prevention services.

• Topics:

• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Fundraiser