Mammoth walk for mental health

THREE mates will set out on a massive on-foot trek from Canberra to Bendigo in October to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.

Tim McKern, Nath Ryan and Wallace Collins will cover a distance of 600 kilometres over 12 days in their Walk for Mental Health with a fundraising target of $100,000.

All money raised will go to the Lifeline Loddon Mallee branch and Let’s Chat Park.

It follows a similar event in 2021, in which Mr McKern and four others walked from Bendigo to Melbourne and raised nearly $70,000.

“The support from the community was overwhelming, and it inspired us to take on an even greater challenge this year,” Mr McKern said.

“Covering over 14 marathons in just 12 days, we aim to push our limits and shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health.”

The 2021 walk was inspired by the death of a close friend of Mr McKern’s, who took his own life in 2016.

Aside from raising money, the trio wants to promote and encourage the importance of talking to someone about mental health issues. “We have already raised over $10,000 and have only just gone public with our campaign,” Mr McKern said.

“The early support has been incredible, and we are confident this momentum will continue to grow.

“The potential to make a significant impact on our local community is something we couldn’t be more excited about.”

Funds raised from the walk will go towards things like volunteer training, crisis support calls, one-on-one counselling, and tailored mental health awareness campaigns for the region.

To donate to the Canberra-to-Bendigo campaign, go to gofundme.com/f/walkformentalhealth2024.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit beyondblue.org.au or call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. You can also visit lifeline.org.au or call them on 13 11 14 and help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or by calling them on 1800 55 1800.