Steve Warren is preparing to cycle from Gunnedah to Curlewis to raise more awareness about mental health.
The 72-year-old lost his son Mark to suicide two years ago and is about to embark on a charity ride to honour his life.
“If I can save one person, I’ve done my job,” Steve said.
The Gunnedah local has teamed up with Turner Cycles and Outdoors which is providing support for his 24km ride via Wandobah Road.
Steve said Mark was a happy-go lucky type of person who was always willing to help the man he called ‘dad’.
“Nothing was ever too much trouble,” Steve said of Mark’s nature.
Steve would like to see more mental health support in regional areas like Gunnedah.
He hoped the ride would not only raise monetary assistance for the mental health cause but also bring more awareness to suicide prevention.
Steve is calling on more people to join him for the charity ride on Wednesday, October 29 – chosen because that is the day Mark died.
Entry is by a $10 donation per family, with all proceeds going to ‘batyr’ – an organisation which aims to open up the mental health conversation, share stories of overcoming tough times and support young people and their communities in Australia.
Batyr – which means hero or brave warrior – believe that storytelling sits at the heart of suicide prevention. When young people hear from peers who have navigated mental ill-health or suicidal distress, stigma breaks down, conversations open up and hope feels possible.
One of many supporting Steve on his ride will be Mark’s younger brother, Dan.
He said suicide had a “devastating” effect on families on communities and any efforts to provide more support to mental health services, is a step in the right direction.
“The [charity ride] money raised is going to a really good cause,” Dan said.
He remembered his brother Mark as the typical “Aussie larrikin” who was always ready to help.
“[Mark] was there for everybody, who ever needed it,” Dan said.
“He was good with his hands, very creative.
“He loved his cars, loved his kids.
“Just a down to earth bloke.”
Dan said although his brother was always willing to help others, it was the self-help for mental health that he found most challenging.
“He kept things to himself,” Dan said.
He urged others who may be experiencing difficulty with their mental health, to speak up and reach out for help – don’t suffer in silence.
The charity ride titled ‘Miles for Mark’ and will start 10am on October 29 from Turner Cycles and Outdoors and finish at the Curlewis Public School. School students from Gunnedah and Curlewis are also expected to be taking part in the charity ride.
The ride route will be via Bloomfield St, over the bridge past the showground, turning at Wandobah Road and heading to Curlewis. Refreshments at the pub will follow the ride.
