Deniliquin locals David Pearson and Scott Fullerton will embark on a seven day ride from Echuca to Alice Springs next week, in an effort to raise money and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
Taking part in the annual Black Dog Ride from August 5 to 13, the pair will join a group of more than 100 other riders from Echuca, where the epic journey to the red centre of Australia will begin.
They will travel from Echuca to Cobar on the first day, Cobar to Charleville on the second and Charleville to Longreach on the third, where they will stop for a rest on the fourth day.
They will then pick up from Longreach, travelling to Mt Isa, Mt Isa to Tennent Creek and finally to Alice Springs where they will finish the journey, covering a total of 3,594 kilometres.
This is where they will meet the remaining 300 riders travelling from all corners of Australia.
The Black Dog Ride was officially established in 2010, and aims to engage communities and start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention.
All funds raised through the Black Dog Ride go to supporting mental health projects, particularly in regional Australia.
To date, Black Dog Ride has raised more than $3 million for mental health and suicide prevention programs nationwide.
Scott and David said they are really excited to take part in this year’s ride, which is returning after two years of cancellations due to COVID.
It is the first time both local riders are taking part.
“It’s our first time doing a ride this big, and first time seeing a lot of the country we will be riding through as well,” David said.
“Once Scott found the ride and we decided to join, it was a mad rush to book all the accommodation and get things organised.
“But now we’re all set and are really excited to meet some new people and support such a wonderful cause.”
“We haven’t done anything like this before,” said Scott.
“To be able to meet a lot of new like-minded people and have an open conversation with them about mental health, how people have helped each other and their communities, it should be a really rewarding experience.”
Both Scott and David said part of the reason for taking part in the ride was the personal dealings they have had with mental health.
“We’ve both had dealings with mental health,” said Mr Fullerton.
“It’s something that can affect everyone, whether it’s a small bout of depression, an ongoing issue with anxiety which stops us from living life to the fullest, or something more serious as suicide.”
David said mental health is an issue very close to his heart.
“My wife suffered from mental health issues, so it is something that I am very aware of and advocate every day for,” he said.
You may have seen David sporting one of his special colourful shirts around town, in an effort to help raise awareness.
“It’s a regular part of my life,” he said.
While Scott and David don’t have a specific fundraising goal in mind, they are asking the community to help support the initiative by donating through the Black Dog Ride website at https://www.blackdogride.org.au.
There is also a couple of tins at Murray Irrigation, where David works, if anyone would like to pop in there and donate.
“We have already been so overwhelmed by the community’s support,” David said.
“Our registration fees, plus other bits and pieces here and there, will go towards the charity, but the reasoning behind the charity and the ride is so important and well worth all the support,” said Mr Fullerton.
Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Information is also available at www.blackdoginstitute.org.au or www.denimentalhealth.org.au.