Forever in our hearts

Mitsuha Iwato (aka JB Champion)

27/12/1982 - 27/03/2026

Missing your presence. Thankful for your peace.

My Walk

My Progress

9km

My Target

9km

Thanks for the continued support

Another generous donation has reminded me that Lifeline is available all day, every day.

Donations are still being accepted to help them answer these calls.

https://www.outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/s/78809/85901

Help is available 13 11 14

Be kind to yourself too

A little reminder to be realistic and be kind.

I was adamant I would walk the 6+ km home. My body wasn't so sure.

Andrew, my ever present Jiminy Cricket, suggested I take the bus and complete the kms in a few days when I'm not in so much pain.

I did take the bus, but during the ride, decided to do the final kms by getting off early.

I did it! Over 9kms! In memory of Mitsi, in support of those suffering, in hope of reducing the statistics.

Thankyou to everyone who has supported this journey, both financially and mentally. I really do appreciate it.

*Total kms 9.18

*Total raised so far $582

*15 calls from people in crisis answered.

Over halfway there

I've made it to Erina Fair. Proud of getting here in one go, just taking it easy. Taking in the things around me.

I am in pain.

But, I am reminding myself how much pain Mitsi must have been in when the final decision was made. Noone should be alone at that moment.

6.31km done.

Time for a coffee and refresh.

Change the narrative

As I prepare for my walk today I am emotional.

At the end of March, one phone call changed me. As a result I joined a support group in which every member wishes they never had to join.

I found support, friendship, advice and common ground.

The grief after suicide is incomprehensible. There are so many questions and a gaping hole.

My hope is to reduce, if not irradiate the need for these types of groups. My hope is for someone to be there for every person in need.

Mental health support should not be for the rich, for the connected. Our government needs to acknowledge the gaps. Sadly those who understand them are not in the position to advocate for change as they struggle to care for themselves.

Lets change the narrative.

Keep on going

Thankyou for the recent donations from mum & dad and Kerry & Jeff.

My hope is that these funds will save at least one person. This will also have the flow on effect of saving a family from a grief so indescribable it's painful.

The funds will enable someone to continue to contribute to their community, join with their friends, celebrate milestones and engage with the world around them. They will be able to keep on keeping on, knowing they are loved and supported.

Guest appearances scare me into a faster pace

A longer walk today, in preparation for the Out of the Shadows fund raiser next week.

Got myself a little frightened with a guest appearance of two red-bellied black snakes. So shortened my walk by not entering the more bushy track around Adcock Park and staying on the roadside path.

If you would like to support the cause, raising funds for Lifeline, to be there for people experiencing their darkest days, and assisting in the prevention of death by suicide, please follow the below link and make a donation.

https://www.outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/s/78809/85901

Special thanks to Beryl

I would like to share a huge thankyou to Beryl. She offered, and has been raising funds on my behalf through her church (where Mitsi also attended) and the linked Op Shop.

I cannot thank her enough for her time, kindness, and generous heart.

Stay another day

A beautiful morning here on the Central Coast.

My wish, is for those struggling can receieve the support to stay for another day.

With thanks

A huge thankyou to Alison and another donor for supporting my walk and the cause.

My hope is that noone will be unable to receieve the help they need when they need it.

The money donated means more than the dollar signs to me, it means hope and a reason for someone to go on.

Too many, lost too soon

Today I think of the many people impacted by suicide loss.

I particularly think of the families and loved ones of:

Tom/Tommy - a son, a brother, a friend, a leader.

Doug - A husband, a father, a friend, a tinkerer, an all-round fun bloke to be around.

Charlotte - a daughter, a big sister, a child, a friend.

Iwato Mitsuha/John - a son, a brother & sister, a cousin, a friend.

So many have been impacted by these losses. All gone too soon.

Please help me help others who face the same darkness.

Participant pack. Mitsi matters.

I've received my participant pack and it has made me more determined to raise as much as I can.

I want Mitsi's name to matter.

She is loved. She matters.

The Black Dog needs to rack off

Today was a day of strolling, to make up some kms.

I walked 3.95km and enjoyed a coffee to treat myself.

I am struggling to lift out of depression this time, there are days where the Black Dog seems to be winning.

But I am determined to pull back up, raise the funds and complete this walk to honour Mitsi. Ive chatted with Debbie, who is so supportive of this walk, and thankful for me honouring her beloved child.

Love and miss you Mitsi 😔

The struggle is real, but we can push through.

I have been struggling recently, after a memory popped up of a day spent with Mitsi. Grief is such a weird thing. Some days are easier than others.

Today, I got a little reminder, maybe sent by Mitsi, to remember to find at least one reason to smile each day.

Today I walked 4.91km, soaking in the sun and trying to see the positives in my day. A special thankyou to Camila for her donation and support.

Improving fitness

I'd like to thank Jenny for her generous donation. Each dollar donated, brings me closer to my goal of having someone available to assist a stranger, when they are needed most.

Today I began working my way towards the 9km target.

I have chronic pain in my hip and back due to past injuries so long walks have become difficult. Since moving to the coast Andrew and I haven't completed any walking events, which we used to do regularly prior to Covid.

Today, which was a day full of sunshine, I walked 5.4km. I won't lie and say it was easy, my body is not impressed. But I am determined to complete this 9km on 10th September.

Raising hope

Thankyou to Michelle, Shane, Lauren, Wez and Jemma for donating to raise funds to help those who are experiencing their darkest times.

Your funds do make an impact and mean so much to me personally. Thankyou once again.

I'm walking to remember those lost to suicide and help people 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.

For World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10), I will be taking part in Out of the Shadows and walking for the 9 people lost to suicide every day.

I'm walking to raise funds for Lifeline to provide suicide prevention services and support for Australians in need.

Please support my walk and sponsor me to help those in crisis.

Together, we can ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.

My impact so far

I've raised $689 so far to answer 17 calls for Lifeline's crisis support hotline to connect and bring hope to people in crisis.

With your support, we can ensure that no person has to face their darkest moments alone.