By Aaron Cordy
FORMER Shepparton local Alan Thorpe has walked some hard roads. Physically, emotionally, mentally, metaphorically, and literally. Those hard roads have seen Alan lose friends, a business and a marriage. Nowadays, he tackles literal roads as he walks to raise awareness for men’s mental health.
Alan passed through the region last week on his way from Ballarat to Canberra for his 800km walk for men’s mental health, which began on October 20, and he will reach Parliament House on Sunday, November 19, for International Men’s Mental Health Day, where he will take part in the 2,500 Too Many Project run by Zero Suicide program.
Alan will be joined on the lawn of Parliament House, where 2,500 pairs of shoes will be laid out to represent the lives of men and young boys lost to suicide.
Previously, Alan has embarked on four other epic journeys, raising over $78,000 for men’s mental health.
Despite severe leg pain from wear and tear on the road as he reached Mooroopna, Alan and his partner Kelly, who trails behind him in the support van, are overjoyed by the support from local communities and towns as he walks through them.
“Mentally, I’m on top of the world. I’ve got such good support this time around. When I walked to Adelaide, it felt like it was just me and Kelly passing through towns, and no one knew. This time in each town, it’s just getting bigger and bigger. More cars honking or stopping to chat, we’re starting the conversation,” said Alan.
To follow Alan’s progress, find Iwalkformensmentalhealth on all social media sites.
If anyone his struggling with their mental health, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If yours or someone you know’s life is in danger, phone 000.
