Forever in our hearts

Louise

24/05/1980 - 27/11/2020

My Walk

My Progress

65km

My Target

63km

Day 7: 8.64km

Out of the Shadows

COMPLETE!

Another year complete. Many conversations had. Lots of funds raised.

Thank you all for your support, whatever that has looked like.

If you were waiting for me to prove I’d meet my distance goal before donating, now is your final chance!

Day 6: 9.07km

Tomorrow is the final day of this year’s Out of the Shadows walk. While I’ve participated many years since Louise’s death to raise awareness around suicide and encourage open conversations about mental health, this year’s walk came at a good time for my own mental wellbeing.

Getting outdoors consistently over the past week has done wonders for my headspace and has also kept me connected socially. Isolation is a sneaky and pervasive part of many mental health conditions and can increase the risk of suicide.

Reaching out doesn’t have to be complicated and a simple check in can make all the difference to a friend, colleague, or family member who may be struggling.

You are never alone.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

StandBy Support After Suicide 1300 727 247

Day 5: 16.11km

With only 2 days to go to complete my kilometres, I made a concerted effort today to get outdoors for a run and 2 walks (only a short one with the furbaby today).

Had a good chat with some of the ladies at pilates this morning which filled my cup. Never forget that the simplest conversations can be life-changing.

Day 4: 12.45km

Went for a leisurely 2.5hr stroll with Ralphie 🐶 and had some conversations about mental health and wellbeing along the way. Feels good spreading awareness around suicide prevention and letting people in my community know how Lifeline and other services can help them and their loved ones.

As always, every dollar counts and I really appreciate every one of you who has donated so far, particularly those who have supported my fundraising efforts over multiple years. If you’re not in a position to donate, but have the time to spare, please share my social media posts and think about how you can start having these conversations with your loved ones and community too.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

StandBy Support After Suicide 1300 727 247

Day 3: 11.72km

Catching up on kilometres today after missing out on any steps yesterday between my double night shifts with ambulance.

I intentionally committed to 63km over 7 days this year knowing shift work limits my ability to get out and about some days during my block. Physical rest and recovery is just as important as mental rest and recovery - skipping my walks yesterday was an act of self care.

I am walking to remember my half-sister Louise, who died by suicide in 2020. I am passionate about raising awareness around suicide and supporting those bereaved by suicide loss. While the stigma around mental illness is gradually improving, there is still a lot of stigma around suicide. The more openly we can talk about it, the better able people will be to reach out for support when needed.

Day 2: Rest Day

Today I am between double night shifts with NSW Ambulance. I am intentionally resting in order to look after myself and ensure I can be the best version of my Paramedic self tonight for my patients.

Knowing this, I planned to do the 63km over 7 days when signing up for this year’s walk.

Day 1: 7.08km

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. It is also R U OK? Day. Today I ran and walked over 7km before heading home to sleep for night shift.

The mileage I complete over the coming week is not only about raising money for Lifeline (a massive thank you to everyone who has generously donated so far). It is just as much about raising awareness around mental health and mental illness, reducing stigma around suicide, and supporting those bereaved by suicide.

Every dollar counts, but it’s the genuine conversations that really matter.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

StandBy Support After Suicide 1300 727 247

Walking for Louise

Over 7 days from 10-16 September I will be walking 63km to remember Louise and raise funds for Lifeline. That's an average of 9km each day for the 9 people who die by suicide every day in Australia.

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. My half-sister, Louise, died by suicide in 2020. I hope to raise awareness around suicide and raise funds for Lifeline to support others experiencing a mental health crisis.

We all know someone who has been affected by suicide. Please help me to help others. Every dollar counts, but if you don't have the funds to donate at this point in time, please consider sharing my posts on social media to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma around suicide.

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 $1,358 so far to answer 34 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.