Marching for men’s mental health

AFTER walking from Ballarat to the South Australian border, Alan Thorpe hasn’t put his feet up for long in the leadup to his next outing.

For the past month, he’s been preparing to walk 25 kilometres a day from Sunday, 25 September until mid-October to raise $8350 for mental health charity Beyond Blue.

If he reaches is goal, the funds will see Mr Thorpe raise a total of $20,000 for the group within a 10-month period following his first interstate endeavour in March.

Though he’s keen to reach the overall target, Mr Thorpe said it isn’t about the money.

“The main thing is about spreading the word and breaking the stigma that surrounds men’s mental health and suicide,” he said.

“I’ve got a lot of suicides in my family. My dad was one of them. So, by me putting myself out there with my own issues and speaking up, hopefully people will see that.

“I’m a lot more confident that I’m going to smash this one, because I can go home and have a proper rest afterwards instead of being out on the road.”

Following a “slump” after losing his home and marriage, Mr Thorpe started walking early last year, losing 25 kilos and training for six months for his Adelaide trip.

The trek lasted 10 days, during which Mr Thorpe walked 342 kilometres and surpassed his $10,000 goal with over $11,000 before feet injuries kept him from his final destination.

Now he’s looking to walk 500 kilometres locally and has placed more than 40 donation boxes at supporting businesses.

Initially dismayed at not reaching Adelaide, Mr Thorpe said he was inspired by the encouragement of the community.

He invites people to have a chat anytime they spot him on his next walk, and said their comments show him he’s already reaching his goal.

“The feedback I get from people is what really helps me keep going,” he said.

“Having people say to me things like my son was really struggling and saw what you’re doing and he’s going to get up and change his life. It’s incredible.

“What more can I ask for then to make that impact on someone’s life. This isn’t just impacting my own but others too.”