This year marks my fifth Hawaiian Ride for Youth - and each year the reason I ride becomes even more personal.
Mental health has touched my family deeply. My sister has struggled for many years, and my eldest daughter also faced significant mental health challenges during her teenage years. With greater awareness, community support and access to funded services, my daughter was able to receive the help she needed - and today she is thriving. I know firsthand that early intervention and properly funded programs can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
This is why I ride!
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth raises vital funds for Youth Focus, supporting young people across Western Australia who are experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Every kilometre we ride helps fund counselling services and mental health education programs in schools.
Along the journey, I have the privilege of speaking at regional schools, sharing our family’s story and encouraging students that it is okay to ask for help. If even one young person finds the courage to speak up because of these conversations, then every early morning training ride and every sore muscle is worth it.
Mental health doesn’t discriminate. It touches families quietly and often invisibly. By supporting this ride, you are helping ensure that young people have access to the support they need when they need it most.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Together, I believe we can create hope, empower resilience and change lives...