Story
I am a current serving member with Victoria Police and over the past few years I have observed friends and work colleagues leaving the job due to PTSD. Some have committed suicide whilst some are on a long waiting list of up to 18 months for PTSD treatment.
It not only effects them personally it also effects family and friends
23 years ago I recall my first day walking into the Victoria Police Academy and hearing the words -
"'Welcome, you are just about to have a front row seat to the greatest show on earth, You will see and encounter everything first hand, You will deal with situations that no one would think could or should ever occur. You will have to make split decisions on the spot and have no time to think about it. You will just do it"
My campaign with the assistance of The Blue Ribbon Foundation is to raise awareness and funds to battle the black dog
Thank you to the Victoria Police Association, ESSSuper, Bank VIC, Victoria Police legacy and my triathlon club - Mornington Peninsula Triathlon Club who have assisted in helping me spread awareness
My aim is to raise funds towards the new initiative with the Blue Ribbon Foundation Police Assistance Dog Program where we are supporting Assistance dogs for our retired veterans whilst also raising awareness for the need of a specialised emergency services clinic.
To date the #fighingptsdvicpol campaign has raised over $170,000 through the everyday hero account and now the just giving donation platform
All donations raised and donated through this link go direct to the Blue Ribbon Mental Health Fund where you will receive a tax deductible receipt
I am using exercise and entering various events to promote my campaign.
8 years ago, my campaign began
So far I have completed the Noosa Triathlon Olympic Distance race in October 2016 and 2017 -
I also completed many Half Ironman events.
Ballarat 70.3 – December 2016
Geelong 70.3 – February 2017, 2020
Bendigo Ultimate Triathlon – March 2017
Challenge Melbourne - April 2017
Cairns 70.3 - June 2017
Melbourne 70.3 - March 2022
These races consist of a 1.9 km Swim, 90 km bike ride and a 21 km run.
I have also completed the Melbourne Marathon running event x 4 and 3 x Wings for life running events
Run for the kids - April 2019,2022 - 12.9km