I'm walking to remember those lost to suicide and help people in crisis
The profile picture you see is 5-year-old Shane, hiding behind a fake smile and those baby blues (not to mention that impressive crop of blonde hair!)
But my childhood was especially difficult: dad was gone from the age of three; I grew up on the tough streets of western Sydney (Bidwill, Mt Druitt) with a single mum and no money. I often went to school with no lunch and holes in my shoes; and I was bullied relentlessly at school as the 'poor kid'.
I was constantly told that I wasn't good enough and would never amount to anything in life (yes, even by my teachers!). But it only takes one person to believe in you to succeed - that person was my mum. Sadly, she passed away from cancer when I was in my 20's and it was a massive blow - she was my rock, my inspiration.
So mental health affected me from a young age but it would be years later before I understood what I was going through and how to deal with it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still a work in progress. There are battles I continue to fight today, both physically and mentally and I still have good and bad days.
That's my motivation for this walk - to make a difference and raise awareness for those who are fighting similar battles.
Tragically, every year over 65,000 Australians attempt to take their own life and over 3,000 Australians die by suicide - 75% of those are men.
Lifeline receives over 1 million contacts from people in crisis each year.
Suicide has devastating impact on friends and loved ones.
For World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10), I will be taking part in Out of the Shadows and walking 2km for each of the 9 people lost to suicide every day (a total of 18km).
I'm walking to raise funds for Lifeline to provide suicide prevention services and support for Australians in need.
Please support my walk if you are able and sponsor me to help those in crisis.
Together, we can ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.
My impact so far
I've raised $15,201 so far to answer 389 calls for Lifeline's crisis support hotline to connect and bring hope to people in crisis.
With your support, we can ensure that no person has to face their darkest moments alone.
389
My Legacy
My support over 2 years
Over 2 years, I’ve raised $19,090 to answer 489 calls to help Australians in crisis.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$5.02k
Campsie Rsl Sub-branch Club Limited - Financial Controller
$5.02k
Liverpool Catholic Club
$1,000
Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club
Great work Shane for a great cause.
$261.77
St Marys Leagues Club
$250
Sunblest Cleaning Services
Well done mate We’re always here for you and the great organisations you support
$200
Dave Vidler
Good luck Shane
$150
Morgan Stewart
Great work again this year Brother.
$123.43
Michael Bramman
$123.43
Trevor
$123.43
Brett
Love and appreciate your efforts for this cause, Shane'o.
$123.43
Fern Havea
Shane you are an amazing person! I love that you are doing this!
$123.43
Kimberley Talbot
$123.43
Glenn Kovacs
Well done Shane always helping others 👏
$123.43
Carolyn Tait
What a great cause - thanks for continuing to raise awareness.
$123.43
Sallianne Faulkner
You are an inspiration!
$120
Magnus Chen
$111.50
Matthew Biviano
Well done Shane, you are an absolute champion! Keep up the great work that you do in fundraising and improving awareness!
$105.50
Michelle Fenech
What a great cause. Thank you for continuing to raise awareness to this big issue and good luck with the 18km walk Love your work :)
$105.50
Lynann Pollack
You are doing a fantastic job Shane and I am sure all of your family are super proud of you, cause I am. U go Shane
$105.50
Angela Venkteshwar
Wishing you all the best Shane for your walk on Saturday. What a great cause to raise money for.
$100
David Kim
Great work Shane, you are an inspiration.
$82.29
Jim Jones
$82.29
Kylie Dee
Great work guys
$81.12
Cheryl Staunton
$78
Karl Rodgers
$78
National Storage Matched Donation
$58.02
H Alesana
Love your work Shane!!
$55.48
Carrol Jarvis
Well done!
$54
Michelle Nielsen
$53.15
Bradley Meaney
$53.15
Joanne Ede
Walk the talk. Amazing. Well done Shane.
$52.75
Warwick Clout
Gone but never forgotten.. Keep up the great work Shane..
$52.75
Ashley Webster
You're amazing, Shaneo. You and Mikayla are going to crush that walk!
$52.75
Tay
$52.75
Jo Jarvie
Always so generous and selfless Shane - enjoy walking with your daughters.
$52.75
National Storage Matched Donation
$52.75
James Nero
Well done brother.
$52
Craig O'loughlin
Always an inspiration Shaneo
$52
Camille Leung-nicholson
I love how passionate you are about this cause. Mental health and raising awareness is something dear to me and I want everyone to share their experiences and to feel they can talk openly about how they are feeling.
$50
Claire Cremer
Wow, walking 18km is no small feat Shane! Hats off to you and Mikayla for taking on the challenge and supporting the important work Lifeline does in suicide prevention. All the best, Claire :)
$42.12
Pamela Proud
$41.15
Deborah Graham
Great work Shane. Good luck!
$41.15
Steven Sarlog
A great contributor to support real issues. Good luck mate. Stay hydrated
$41.15
Lynette Ayres
Thank you Shane for caring. You are making a great impact on peoples lives who are in trouble.
$41.15
Aaron Lukies
Great work Shane.
$41.15
Eren Choker
You are an amazing person! Good on you :)
$41.15
Shane Skeen
$41.15
Anonymous
Thank you for always making a difference where it’s needed. Good luck. 💝
$40
Julie Justin
Great work Shane !!
$40
Yen.d
Great work Shane! All the best for the 18km walk. You are doing amazing work :)
$39
Teressa Johnson
All the best on your walk and what a wonderful initiative. X
$39
Sharyn Renshaw
$20
Stuart Gabriel
Well done Shane!
$10
Anonymous
Thanks for being brave, raising awareness, and being the inspiration for many others.
