Alex Campbell still asks himself if there was something he could have said to stop his brother taking his own life.
“Time can dull it a little, but it’s something you will find yourself thinking about unintentionally,” he said.
“You see the effect that it had on everyone at the funeral … it’s like you threw a rock into the pond and see the waves rippling out, seeing how that affected everyone. It really re-emphasised to me the importance of talking,” Mr Campbell said.
The 27-year-old who grew up in Winmalee, is the club manager at Anytime Fitness Blaxland, which along with Anytime Fitness facilities across the country, is hosting the 24-hour treadmill challenge to raise money for Suicide Prevention Australia.
In the Mountains the Springwood and Blaxland clubs have joined forces at the Blaxland centre and the Katoomba branch will also host its own challenge.
The challenge begins at 3pm on Friday, May 25, and finishes 24 hours later.
Timeslots start at 15 minutes duration, at $1 per minute. Anyone can register and take part, you don't need to be an Anytime Fitness member.
The community can get involved by sponsoring a participant, donating to the cause or by coming to the gym during the event. At both Blaxland and Katoomba gyms they’re aiming to keep at least one treadmill running for the full 24 hours.
All Blaxland and Springwood team members will be taking part in the challenge, and Mr Campbell hopes to take take to the treadmill for a couple of hours.
“You can walk, run, jog, dance or sidestep, whatever you want to do on the treadmill,” Mr Campbell said.
The 24-hour challenge was a good way to get people talking and breaking down the barriers.
“When someone commits suicide, it’s like they get all their family and friends in the room and throw a grenade in there,” Mr Campbell said.
“That's why this fundraiser appealed to me. It generates awareness and any conversation can make a difference.
“People are getting better at breaking through the stigma of mental health issues but there’s still a long way to go.
“The more people know that they can have the conversation the less stigma attached.”
Alternatively you may wish to donate to the challenge by using the link: http://treadtogether.gofundraise.com.au/. Find Blaxland or Katoomba and select ‘register’. The Blaxland club had a goal of raising $3000 and has hit $2500 already.
There will be giveaways, mini events and raffles held at the clubs throughout the challenge.
- If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
