Two former Stawell residents will participate in a 330 kilometre bike ride from Melbourne to Stawell to raise money for men’s mental health charity Movember on October 29.
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The ride will leave from the charity’s headquarters in Richmond and finish at the Gift Hotel at Stawell.
Former Stawell resident who now lives in Halls Gap David Tapscott will attempt the 12 hour journey.
Mr Tapscott said men’s mental health is important and not spoken about enough.
“The great thing about bike riding is that it is one of those excersizes where you can talk with those around you at the same time,” Mr Tapscott said.
“This is really a metaphor calling on and encouraging men to speak out.”
Mr Tapscott said the ride will also be a good opportunity to highlight men who are suffering in rural areas.
“Being in a rural area there are many people who would feel especially isolated so it is a great opportunity to bring that awareness to Stawell and surrounding areas,” he said.
“We are all mates whether you are based in the city or out on a farm.”
Mr Tapscott has already raised $200 and is hoping to raise more than $500.
Another former Stawell resident Kieran Ryan will join Mr Tapscott and said the ride plans to help raise awareness for the Movember cause and help spark a conversation about men’s mental health.
“We want people to talk about our ride from Melbourne to Stawell and that topic will hopefully lead into a discussion about what Movember is about, what its focus is and what it stands for,” Mr Ryan said.
“Some men can really struggle to talking openly about emotions and any mental health concerns and Movember is really starting to take a stance on those issues.”
Figures from the Movember Foundation show suicide is the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 15-44 years.
Movember programs team member and rider Cyril Dixon said the purpose of the ride is to highlight how we should always be protecting and looking out for each other.
“Movember is all about building solid relationships among men and encouraging men to speak out as well as remembering those who have taken their own lives,” Mr Dixon said.
If you require help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Helpline on 1300 651 251 or MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978.