Sold out lunch launches WOTWW

EMOTION simmers under the surface as John Shanahan speaks about his son Nathan just before the charity luncheon to launch Walking Off The War Within.

He spoke proudly about his son’s battle with depression and with heartache of his failure to win the struggle in 2016.

The walk, held in memory of Nathan Shanahan, is an annual event that raises awareness of PTSD and depression, particularly amongst emergency services and defence force personnel.

“What I set out to achieve was to have this awareness of mental health, to be able to comfortably talk about it but I wanted it to be a family affair,” Mr Shanahan said. “Last we walked the grounds of St Pat’s, and it was a phenomenal success.

“We achieved a carnival atmosphere, with a very positive not negative mood with grandparents, mums and dads and kids attending.”

Mr Shanahan is thrilled that the campaign has gathered momentum as plans are underway for ten walks next year across the country from Darwin to Warrnambool.

He has nothing but praise for the support and sponsorship of the Ballarat community.

“The money we raise from events like this and the walk itself is donated to those organisations who specialise in mental health support,” he said.

Guest speaker Derrick McManus, an ex-Police Special Task and Rescue Group officer shared his story of life-threatening injury in the workplace.

Three years after the incident he recognised changes in himself and sought professional advice.

“You can’t change the past, but no matter how small, always maintain a sense of optimism about the future,” Mr McManus said.