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Next March will mark my first year riding in the Hawaiian Ride for Youth, from Albany to Perth, covering just over 700KM. At first glance, it might seem like this is just an insane bike challenge… but it’s so much more than that. At the core of the ride, we’re raising funds for Youth Focus to provide free counselling to young people who need it most.
I’ve experienced firsthand the impact that poor mental health awareness can have on our youth and people in general. Not only have I faced my own mental health challenges (and still actively work on this to this day), but I’ve also seen many people close to me face similar and more severe challenges throughout all stages of their lives. It’s incredibly important to break the stigma that working through mental health challenges is weak or something to be feared. I hope that by speaking up and being transparent about my own experiences, I can empower others to do the same.
Breaking the stigma, emphasising the importance of early intervention, and encouraging people to seek support are all things at the heart of what Youth Focus aims to achieve, and I’m so honoured to be able to support them by participating in the Hawaiian Ride for Youth alongside team Cashies. We have such an amazing community that supports and takes part in the ride, and I want to thank everyone who’s shared advice and encouragement along the way. Without the support of my team and the wider community, I quite honestly wouldn’t be able to complete this ride - so thank you.
And finally, a very special thank you to everyone who has donated. You’re supporting a phenomenal cause, and every single dollar truly makes a difference.
See you at the finish line 💛
