Shane Skeen

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

The profile picture you see is 5-year-old Shane, hiding behind a fake smile and those baby blues (not to mention that impressive crop of blonde hair!)

But my childhood was especially difficult: dad was gone from the age of three; I grew up on the tough streets of western Sydney (Bidwill, Mt Druitt) with a single mum and no money. I often went to school with no lunch and holes in my shoes; and I was bullied relentlessly at school as the 'poor kid'.

I was constantly told that I wasn't good enough and would never amount to anything in life (yes, even by my teachers!). But it only takes one person to believe in you to succeed - that person was my mum. Sadly, she passed away from cancer when I was in my 20's and it was a massive blow - she was my rock, my inspiration. 

So mental health affected me from a young age but it would be years later before I understood what I was going through and how to deal with it. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm still a work in progress. There are battles I continue to fight today, both physically and mentally and I still have good and bad days. 

That's my motivation for this walk - to make a difference and raise awareness for those who are fighting similar battles. 

Tragically, every year over 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life and over 3,000 Australians die by suicide - 75% of those are men. 

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 2km for each of the 9 people lost to suicide every day (a total of 18km).

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

Please support my walk if you are able and sponsor me to help those in crisis.

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