A team of six Australian blokes are walking 916 kilometres across two states in a bid to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
The men were spotted walking through Armidale this week on their journey through to Sydney from the Gold Coast.
On average suicide claims almost eight Australian lives every day.
These statistics are all too real for Suicide Prevention Australia ambassador and founder of the Rise Foundation, Ben Higgs, who has battled depression for much of his life.
Accompanying Mr Higgs on the two-week Walk It Off trek, include NRL legend Darren Brown, former professional rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Canterbury Bulldogs and Penrith Panthers, Jason Webb, David Mcelhinney, Shawn Howell and Steve Heighesy.
“The idea for Walk It Off came quite naturally while managing my own self-care,” Mr Higgs said.
“On nights when I have felt really ordinary and flat, I have found that physical activity has helped me to overcome negative thoughts.
“There have been many nights when I have gone for long walks.
“On one particular night, I reached out to a mate and said I needed to go for a walk to clear my head and to my surprise he said he’d join me.
“So there we were, two blokes at 3am walking through the streets, talking and opening up.”
Suicide Prevention Australia chief executive Sue Murray said that the strength and resilience shown by the men was nothing short of inspiring.
“These men are showing us all that we are stronger together,” Ms Murray said.
“We can all play our part in encouraging communities to learn how to get help and give help.”
The men will walk through Walcha on Friday before heading for Nowendoc and Barington over the weekend.
The team will arrive in Sydney on October 28.
To follow their journey visit https://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/walkitoff.
If you or anyone you know needs help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
