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Chantelle Solomon

Out of the Shadows 2026

Forever in our hearts

Harlz Burridge

16/11/1993 - 07/03/2026

Forever young, we miss you Harlz.

My Walk

My Progress

10km

My Target

9km

My Suicide Story- The 'Chapter' of 2026

My friends and family,

I mentioned in my previous fundraising post that I wasn't ready to share this chapter of my story as yet due to the personal nature of it and ongoing healing journey (plus I hadnt had the opportunity to speak to my family about it and didnt feel it was fair for them to find out via a facebook post. I have since done so and to my surprise I was met with nothing but love and support which has warmed my heart beyond words). After being informed that today National Storage is going to match every donation received for TODAY only, I've decided to open up, speak out and raise awareness not only in the hopes to gain a few more donations...but to also show those close to me who are sitting in darkness that they are not alone and there is light at the end of the tunnel. So here goes...

Although a lot of people close to me saw the changes in me, I dont think anyone caught on to the extent or severity of just how much I was struggling with my mental health. It got far darker than I had ever experienced, and although I have always been such a loud advocate for mental health, for the first time in so long I was silenced by the fear, guilt and shame of the feelings I was experiencing and wasn't able to bring myself to ask for help. Life had thrown quite a few extremely hard, below the belt hits that knocked me down...Im no stranger to trauma and have faced this darkness many times before, I know what it takes to pull yourself out of it and I have the tools to do so...but, for the first EVER I didn't have the will, energy or desire to get back up. I didn't want to fight for my life anymore...which, as a former professional fighter, that in itself was a fucking terrifying reality.

On the 3rd of February of this year, I gave up. I lost the battle with my own mind that I had been fighting for decades. I was found on the side of the road deceased and unresponsive not too far from my home. 3 ambulances came lights and sirens and after a lot of work I was revived. By the grace of God I was found by an elderly couple on their way home from lawn bowls, and although I never got to speak to them or thank them, I will never forget the terrified look on the lady's face which was the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes. I'd like to take this opportunity to give the biggest shout out to one particular first responder, I believe his name was Joel, who not only revived me, but had also caught on to the situation and handled it with so much grace, care and support (and yes, he was right in saying that given the type of resuscitation required, I did feel like I had been hit by a bus in the coming days 😅, but am beyond grateful nonetheless). I woke up feeling so overwhelmed with the fear, shame and guilt of what I had done that I initially didn't want to give my name or any details and the impact of his kindness, care and understanding was something I'm still unable to put into words. 

Now to tackle the "shameful" part of this situation. For those of you who have read this far, I know what you will be thinking...."how could you do this to your kids." ...well that's exactly what I'm hoping to shine a light on in this post to not only raise awareness to those of you who are lucky enough to not have experienced this type of battle as well as show the people who have that you aren't alone and don't need to feel ashamed of the way you feel. The answer is simple...my mind was that sick that I convinced myself that the damage from losing me (yes, I wasn't nieve enough to think they wouldn't be affected by losing me) was less than the damage I was causing them if I stayed. Whilst battling my mind I locked myself away from them to try and protect them from seeing their mother struggle, they were alone, confused and being at my worst I was temperamental and I felt I was toxic for them. I felt as though if I continued to live I was sentencing them to a life with a toxic mother, plaguing them with a life riddled with self doubt, questioning their self worth and fighting mental illness the same way I have had to. I didn't want them to end up like me, so I thought the only way to save them was to eliminate myself from the equation so they could grow up surrounded by "healthy" people who loved them "properly" in "stable" home with their Dad Luke and my Brother Bradley. I thought I was giving them a better chance at life than I could give. I thought living with me was a life sentence for them...I convinced myself that the damage from losing me would be less than the damage I would cause them if I stayed.

Fuck, I soooo beyond wrong with my thinking and little did I know I was about to receive the rudest awakening in the cruelest way. Fast forward 1 month, I received the news that a person who tried to be a pillar of support for me, always looked out for me and tried to drag me out of the darkness had committed suicide. I was still nowhere near ok and battling my thoughts to end it all daily. From the moment I was given the news about Harley my world stopped. I laid awake every night crying thinking "why"...why didn't he answer the phone, why didn't he reach out, why didn't he let me help him...so many questions "why." That's when I realized how fucking warped my thoughts where. How me deciding my kids would be less damaged from my suicide was an absolute bullshit that I convinced myself to believe to make myself ok with giving up on not just myself, but them. Losing him proved to me that the people left behind won't ever be at peace with it, will never stop blaming themselves for not realizing or doing something when they had the chance...that every time they think of me they will be filled with sadness, heartbreak and the neverending list of "whys."

It breaks my heart that it took losing someone I adored and who adored me to realize the ripple effect of a single persons mental health. To realize that battling suicidal thoughts is much like running a marathon...while running the whole time your only thoughts are "I need to stop running I can't do this anymore" and you try convince yourself of anything and everything just so you can make yourself ok with stopping...continuing and getting to the finish line seems impossible. It's not...I'm living proof of that...but under the right pressure in the right circumstances the mind will do what it feels necessary to "survive" and stop the pain, and sometimes it feels like "ending the pain" and finally feeling "peace" has only one option.

So, despite what I went through this year...this year's walk is dedicated to Harlz...he is the reason I'm still here...and that breaks my heart to say. That loss forced my mind back into reality, forced me to stop making excuses to give up for everyone else's sake and to get the fuck back up and keep fighting. For the first time in so long I actually wanted to get up. I reached out for help from those who saw my struggle no matter how hard I tried to hide it, and who were trying their hardest to pull me out no matter how much I resisted. I have asked those select few to walk beside me on the 10th of Sep, as they have done for the past year...Manga, Jax and RhiRhi, thank you. These people literally relentlessly battled for my life literally DAILY when I couldnt...it was your daily check ins, acts of kindness and showering me with love even when I tried to push you away that literally saved my life and saved my kids from growing up without a mother. 

To the 2 men that fought so hard to keep me here. Manga, you fought most of it alone because I begged you not to tell anyone how bad my mental state deteriorated. I can't even begin to imagine the burden of carrying that all whilst making sure the kids were shielded from it all. I love you and I'm so sorry I put all of that on you. Luke...as my ex husband I never expected for you to step up the way you did. After the incident in Feb I knew as the father of my kids I needed to tell you what was going on and the support I was met with was unexpected and truly meant the world. You didn't just do it for the kids sake, you constantly checked in on me, offered to help and knowing that someone who knew me inside and out more than most valued me so much meant more than you will ever know. You told me straight out that the kids weren't better off with you full time, and given the incredible parent you are it really hit home coming from you. Thank you.

To my family...I'm sorry I kept you in the dark about all of this and never gave you the opportunity to help. Seeing now how affected you are by finding out definitely stings. I'm sorry I assumed you wouldn't understand or would judge me harshly. I've come to realize me believing you would be angry or think I'm "too old to be having such juvenile thoughts" was me projecting my own shame of my feelings onto you. For that I am so sorry.

Finally...to Harley, Trish, Paul and the whole Burridge family. This walk is for you. We are starting the 9kms at the tree I was found unresponsive under. I think it's important to start there because that's where my life is starting from...and the reason I am able to do so is because of Harlz.

Friends and family, if you are able to donate today is the day. All donations are being doubled by national storage and could help me reach my goal to hopefully save people like myself and Harley who are fighting an invisible battle.

P.S. I feel it's important to highlight that although I'm not going to pretend my kids haven't suffered at all...I have spent the past few months reconnecting with them and I'm very proud to say that our bond is closer than ever. We are all happier when together and it has been a good opportunity to talk to them (in an age appropriate manner) about talking to and leaning on each other about our feelings when the world gets heavy or when we are having an "off" day. Giving each other grace when we are feeling overwhelmed and opened the doors to having conversations about mental health struggles that EVERYONE faces. We have enrolled ourselves into parenting workshops to find better ways to parent and hopefully create an even healthier home environment. Although I've shielded my kids from the worst of it, it has opened my eyes about starting young when it comes to looking after their mental health, protecting them from ended up like me and creating a safe space for them to turn to at ANY age no matter how old. We are all still healing together with the help of professionals as this isn't a "sweep it under the rug and pretend like nothing was wrong" type of situation.

Chantelle xx

2025 Chapter - Last years walk


My Story. My Journey. My 'Why.'
• MY "WHY." THE SHORT VERSION: 
22 years ago a single call to the kids helpline saved my life.

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• THE BATTLE TO HEAL (as long as it is...surprisingly its the shortest version of the journey possible and so much left out):

I am someone who started their journey of seeking support and trauma treatment for mental health issues over 20yrs ago when the stigma around mental health was heavy, came with the side eyes, whispering and judgemental comments behind your back. The diagnosis "labels" given were worn with shame rather than a badge of honour, with most claiming that they werent real and just used as an "excuse" to be lazy. I was from the "they just need a good hard smack to pull them in line" era.

Having a heavy diagnosis from the age of 14, I learnt quickly that it was something I should hide from the world and try my hardest to pretend to be normal. It was extremely isolating and shameful, it was a topic of conversation for the people close to me who were divided into two sides: 1) its not real, its an excuse and I need to just move on and harden up, or 2) Im servely sick, an unpredictable deviate and needed to locked in a padded room for everyones safety...this side was relieved that there was "something wrong with me" that explained my (teenage) behaviour. No one else I knew needed treatment for their mental health, I felt alone, terrified and most importantly misunderstood. Despite the support I had from family who did the best they could to understand, no one truely knew what I had gone through so inevitably the hardest battles of my trauma treatment were fought alone. 

After years of learning, healing and hard work I finally had a good understanding of who I was, how I was different and how to keep myself regulated and function as "normal"...knowing pain from a young age meant I developed a high level of emotional intelligence and empathy for others. For the first time I finally saw my mental health struggles as a gift rather than a curse, I was wore my labels with pride knowing the strength it took to heal and be free of the dark thoughts. No matter how many gold medals I won or academic awards I received...this was by far my greatest achievement and I began advocating to fight against the stigma around mental health and seeking help.

----------------

• PRESENT DAY DARKNESS:

Unfortunately, the past year has been an uphill battle filled with many obstacles mixed in with a few old demons coming out to run a muck again...and for the first time I was brought back to a mental state that I hadnt been in since the early stages of my journey. Seeing how quickly my mental state crumbled and the thoughts of self harm and suicidal took over is terrifying. Despite 20 years of hard work and focus on my mental health, overcoming childhood trauma, adult trauma, addiction/recovery, learning to recognize my triggers, recognizing when getting close to the edge and finding techniques to ground myself well before the point of no return...somehow I found myself sitting in darkness, not realizing how I got here, especially after fighting so hard to ensure I'd never be sitting here again. 

So once again, I have a very long and rough road ahead of me...not just to heal the reopened scars, but battling my own mind to not be so hard on myself for letting it get so bad without realizing, to give the same amount of empathy to myself as I give to others and forgive myself for feeling like I have not only failed myself, but my children.

• MY "WHY":

Despite how terrifying the feeling of not being able to trust myself or my judgement weighing heavily on my shoulders, this time around the journey of healing and rebuilding isnt remotely close to as scary or isolating as the first time. I am at ease and grateful for the many years people, organizations and media worldwide raising awareness, speaking out about their struggles and shining a light on a once frowned upon/controversial subject. The stigma around mental health struggles is slowly breaking, there is more support available and most importantly people suffering no longer have to suffer in silence out of shame or fear of being judged. Unlike the first time I have a support system bigger than I ever imagined and although I've learnt to instinctively hide behind a smile...I have a network of people who see beyond it and check in so I know I'll make it through even on the hardest days.

Thats a very "short" version of my story and my reason for doing this. I know times are really tough at the moment so any donations that are made to assist me in raising awareness are appreciated more than you will ever know. Every single person in this world either has battled with their own mental health or has multiple people in their close circle who are. 

In conclusion, for those who made it this far into my mini novel...Im now in my 30's....20 years ago a single call to the kids helpline saved my life. It cost $39 per call for lifeline to answer a call that could save a loved one from giving up. It would be an honour if I was able to pay it forward and raise $1170...enough to answer 30 phonecalls and save 30 lives. 

CHANTELLE 
10/09/2025

This year's 'Why'

Although I signed up months ago...I have been yet to make posts to contribute to the fundraising / raising awareness because this year's walk for me means so much more for me on a personal level than last years (something I never dreamed possible for it to be so much harder)...I haven't been able to find the right words as yet. So here goes...

This year I'm walking in honour of 2 people...firstly Myself. The past year I faced something I never thought possible. For those closest to me (and my team walking beside me on the day) know the significance that the date Feb 3rd holds. It goes to show no matter how old you get, you are never too old for your demons to rear their ugly heads. Due to the personal nature and mental health work and healing I'm still currently undertaking I'm not in a place where I'm ready to share that chapter of my life with my family and the world. Just know this time, more than ever, this type of awareness means more to me than most would ever know. 

The second (and most important) person I'm walking in honour of is someone I held very close to my heart...Harley Burridge who devastatingly lost his battle with his own demons in March this year. I still can't comprehend the loss and will forever carry the heartache of not doing more. Harlz this ones for you. You had a heart of gold, spread so much joy and kindness and you always tried to check on me / look after my mental health. I'm sorry I didn't do the same for you.

To my family and friends...Harlz was the first and one of the highest donations for me when fund-raising for this cause last year. If you have the means to, please help me pay tribute to him and show him how loved and missed he is.

#FuckSuicide #Lifeline

Chantelle xx

I'm walking to remember those lost to suicide and help people in crisis - Harley Burridge

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 $1,525 so far to answer 39 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.

39

Please support me to help people in crisis

Raised

$1,525

My Goal

$1,170

Select amount to donate

$39
$78
$117
$273
$546
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My Achievements

Thank you to my Sponsors

$300

Anonymous

$216.50

Associated Airconditioning

$216.50

Trish Burridge

Your amazing Chantelle..Harley will be with you always..🩷

$163.43

Rosepearl Pty Ltd

One night in a dream, I walked with the Lord by the beach. There were two sets of footprints in the sand, Mine and the Lord’s. But during tough times, I just saw only one set and wondered why? So I asked the Lord, “Why did you leave me alone when I was down?” The Lord said “My precious child, I never left you during your times of trouble and suffering, When you saw only one set of footprints, It was when I carried you.”

$106.75

Danielle Wiseman

Great job

$85.24

Powell

💋💋💋

$85.24

Brad Shelton

$83.37

Debbie Tinomana

What a journey you’ve been on and still navigating! Sending lots of love ❤️

$55.95

Perth Fams

Arohanui❤️ Taz ,Tay and aunty we got you xx

$50

Anna Princiotto

Chantelle you have a beautiful light that shines in you. The world is a better place because you're here. Don't ever forget how much we all love you! You got this!!!

$50

Anonymous

$44.32

Jane Pollard

$44.32

Angela Hart

$23.81

Uncle G

Well done Chantelle! So sorry for your loss x

My Team