We're walking to remember those lost to suicide and help people in crisis
We are walking in memory of our brother and beautiful friend, Lewis Shields.
Lewis was a kind, loving soul and the ultimate source of creative inspiration. His interest in anthropology fuelled his passion for public relations (PR) and marketing. He excelled and achieved so much, including starting and leading a successful social and content agency in his twenties, being named one of B&T's 30 under 30, working with TEDxSydney, and being chosen as a scholar for the prestigious Marketing Academy.
At the end of January this year, Lewis took his own life. We are devastated. It's still so raw.
The thing is, from his warm smile and playful nature, you wouldn't know he had attempted suicide several times. Based on his ability to drive and inspire a team that loved him so much, you would never have guessed that he had been struggling with mental health issues like bipolar, with its extremes of mania and crippling depression. He was articulate, incredibly intelligent, infectiously charismatic, and had a devoted following—something I only realised after his death when they spoke about his life-changing influence on them.
Suicide is a complicated subject, and talking about it can be hard for many people. Given the significant impact that genetics, psychology, and the environment may have on an individual, suicide prevention should begin at birth and extend a lifetime. I often wonder what might have happened if Lewis had been subjected to a different set of events and environmental circumstances or I had been equipped with this knowledge.
I believe we can all have a role in preventing suicide by understanding and mitigating important risk factors, including but not limited to:
Recognising that a child's brain development is profoundly influenced by their early experiences - parents and other caregivers play a critical role in reducing these effects.
Educating adults and children on effective communication and coping strategies
Knowing the indicators of mental illness and what to do about it
Helping to get rid of the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide
Rethinking aftercare solutions that accommodate all types of individuals and provide support to reduce social isolation
Equipping leaders in organisations with the mindset, skills, and tools to provide support to employees and embed a culture of inclusivity
There is still so much opportunity for us to do better, go further, and accomplish more.
Suicide has no identity and makes no distinctions, yet its impact is profound and immense.
We are walking to raise funds for Lifeline to provide suicide prevention services and support for Australians in need.
Please support our walk and sponsor us to help those in crisis.
Tragically, every year over 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life and over 3,000 Australians die by suicide.
Lifeline receives over 1 million contacts from people in crisis each year.
Suicide has devastating impact on friends and loved ones.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, we will be taking part in Out of the Shadows and walking for the 9 people lost to suicide every day.
We are walking to raise funds for Lifeline to provide suicide prevention services and support Aussies in need.
Please support our walk and make a donation to help those in crisis.
Together we can ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.
Thank you to our Sponsors
$500
Skye Lambley
$317
Cooltherm Insulation & Sheetmetal Australia Pty Ltd
$300
Tian Williams
$300
Jamie And Nicky Verco
Great initiative for a special friend who we lost too soon. He was a special human whom I really miss and think of often. Thank you for arranging
$200
Tam & Gav
Amazing Serena xxx
$200
Dennis Matthews
Tm
$150
Greg
What a wonderful way to remember Lewis, Dan!
$150
Nicolle C
Thinking of you Serena xx
$150
Vanessa & Andy Liell & Mccutcheon
Thank you for your initiative and such a beautiful and articulate post in tribute to Lewis. He was so proud of you and his family and we miss him so much. Good luck with the walk! Great cause too. Xxx
$123
Murph
A great cause Dan. Smash that target!
$123
Stu Wragg
xxx
$123
Alex Mills
I never had the pleasure of meeting Lewis but I love hearing your warm stories about what a great guy he was - it feels like we'd have had an amazing laugh together. All the very best guys ❤️
$123
Skye Lambley
Go team, such an important cause. Lewis was a special human, who left us to soon. His memory lives on and I am so glad to have known him.
$123
Kate Hopcraft
A wonderful way to honour such a wonderful person. X
$117
Jamie C
A very important cause, Serena. My thoughts will be with you and your family on this day. Jamie
$117
Phil & Taya
Sending you love and strength Serena xxxx
$111
James Kean
Missing Lewis all the time. Thanks for doing this <3
$106
Michelle W
In loving memory of Lewis xxx
$106
Laura Sanford
Lewis is sorely missed. You have all of our love and wonderful memories with you on this walk Dan & Laura.
$106
Anky
Sending love to Serena, Dan and Laura. Thank you for walking XXX
$106
Denise Pullar
Great cause
$106
Danica Brindley
I'm so proud to have colleagues that care so much about others and want to make a meaningful impact in this world. Lewis was exactly the same, such a kind and caring person. Thank you to those who are walking to raise funds!
$106
Jesse Lewis
You’re all awesome for doing this - thank you ❤️
$106
Yasmin Armes
Such a worthwhile cause
$106
Kata Farrell & Family
I think of Lewis often and miss him a lot. What you’re doing is so important, especially talking about it openly and honestly. Sending much love xx
$106
Chantal Gibbs
$106
Bryony Czujko
Such a beautiful way to remember our dear friend Lewis and to raise funds and awareness of this important cause. I'm sure Lewis will be raising a glass to you - as we all are. Good luck and thank you xx
$100
Maximus International
$100
Jennifer Brown
$82
Tom Sanders
$82
Rob Tolan
A lovely way for you to remember and celebrate Lewis.
$82
Milli Ogden
Lewis meant so much to so many and this is about beautiful way to honour him and spread awareness of mental health
$82
Daniel Martin
I miss Lewis everyday. I'm looking forward to remembering him with you on Saturday.
$82
Nikki Carruthers
What a wonderful way to remember Lewis. In the brief encounters I had with him I so admired his intelligence, warmth, humour and creativity. Sending much love to everyone who knew him ❤️
$82
Sara Herbert
A beautiful way to honour Lewis and to help others who may be facing the same feelings he experienced. Sending love and light x
$82
Karen Dunnicliff
$82
Alon
What a special cause. Sending love.
$82
Debbie
$82
Toni Gardyne
For the wonderfully extraordinary and ever kind Lewis ❤️
$82
Brent Duffy
$80
Bek Allison
I remember walking into the office one day wearing bright yellow pants. Before I’d even reached my desk, I heard this voice behind me say, “Bek, the sun called and they want their pants back.” The sun is shining brightly for you now Lewis 💛
$78
Carlie
$78
James Chapman
Thank you for your efforts and fundraising for important work Serena.
$63
Cha & Mum
Thinking of you and your team Lots of love Cha & Mum
$53
Lauren Lecordier
Great effort and cause you legends. I think of Lewis often and this is a wonderful way to honour him, while sharing a very important message that we all need to hear to help combat those incredibly sad statistics x
$53
Cal Guyll
$53
Olivia Tilton
Such a beautiful way to remember Lewis. I hope the sun shines on Saturday ❤️
$53
Wan Li
$53
Natalie Braid
$53
Sophie Roubicek
What a beautiful cause, Lewis was such a warm soul and made an everlasting impression when I started at Herd 💙
$53
Grace Spao
This is so beautiful ❤️ Thinking of Lewis’ warm energy all the time and missing him every day
$50
Tiffany Nicholson
Thank you for bringing awareness to this.
$50
Kevin Fern
Wonderful guesture
$50
Issi Nacson
❤️❤️❤️
$50
Rami Mallis
$50
Lucy Rayner
Good luck Dan, beautiful initiative xx
$42
Lois O’sullivan
$41
Lani Swanton
Serena - you are an inspiration. Will be thinking of you every step of the way
$41
Laura Beament
$41
Shazana Roseli
sending love x
$41
Lauren Magid
I think of Lewis often - gone far too soon. What a beautiful way to honour him.
$41
Kat Beament
Good luck to all the team. Thinking of you all xx
$41
Mark Lenyszyn
$41
Mark Lenyszyn
$41
Leah Branco E Silva
$41
Meaveen Sullivan
$41
Serena Shields
$39
Cat Schwerdt
$39
Andrew Sroufe
$39
Michael Millimaci
Thank you for doing this team. This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man.
$39
Carla Smith
This touches the heart big time xx I miss our kind Lewis and my beautiful young cousin who both left this world far to early.
$39
Justine Gardiner
Lewis never left the office without making someone laugh or smile. Thankyou both for continuing to keep this important conversation front and centre xx
$26
Nicola Broadbent
$21
Anonymous
$21
For our KIND LEWIS who is missed each and every day xx