L2F4MH keeps it moving for Movember

THE Surf Coast community is being urged to support those going for a run, a ride or a paddle, or all three, tomorrow (Saturday, February 3) in a Movember fundraiser.

Lifeguard James McGlashan is staging the fourth edition of his Lorne to Fairhaven for Mental Health (L2F4MH) event.

Mr McGlashan started the event in memory of his good friend Finley Dale, who he lost to suicide in 2019, with the intent to create positive conversations around mental health and to try to create change.

“It all sparked from the moment we lost Finley,” Mr McGlashan said in the lead-up to last year’s event.

“There is still a large stigma around (men) trying to be tough and show a brave face. It’s a challenge as people hold back from having those talks.

 

“It takes that extra push to take those conversations from friends and family to conversations with a mental health professional.”

The event will start at 10am at Lorne SLSC – the town where Mr McGlashan and Mr Finley first met – with participants then tackling a 13km paddle from Lorne to Fairhaven, a 32km ride from Fairhaven to Lorne and then back to Fairhaven, and a final 16km run from Fairhaven to Lorne.

Some participants will complete all three legs, others will just join in for one.

The first L2F4MH event in 2019 drew six paddlers, four riders and seven runners, but it has grown year on year with the field expanding to more than 35 paddlers, 20 riders and 30 runners in 2024.

Last year’s L2F4MH raised $14,260 for Movember, and this year’s edition had raised just under $3,000 as of earlier this week.

To donate to L2F4MH, head to au.movember.com/team/2419990