Yes, she is still going!
Yes, my friends. She's still running with her little push up challenge and let me tell you, I am not done yet. Firstly, did you know we have raised $8,480 over the last 3 years? We can’t be that close to $10k and not make it a goal to crack it.. so I am. We are aiming to hit $10k this year!
Secondly (and most importantly) while each challenge is special to me, this year and next year are challenges that will sit particularly close to my heart, and we need you more than ever. Let me tell you why…
The challenge this year sees the stats for 2024 rise to 3,307. That's 3,307 of our friends, our family, one of us, lost to suicide. On the final day, push up number 3,307 will be for the Dad of dear friends of mine. His name was Peter 'Pumpkin' Fitzgerald. Whilst suicide was not Peter's official cause of death, he did leave this earth after an incredibly long and tormenting battle with his mental health his entire life. I'm dedicating this challenge to him and his family.
And, as difficult as it is to write this (and I’m still coming to terms with it) next year will now include the life of a beautiful, beautiful friend who left us at the end of last year. Different people, different struggles, different circumstances but both men tormented by the heaviness who are now at peace in their minds and their souls.
Our men need us, evidently more than ever. So while we can’t bring them back, we can remember them, celebrate them and be so thankful that we ever had the privilege to know them in the first place. Join me and let’s come together to raise (tax deductible) funds and (non tax deductible) awareness in the hope that we can do something, anything, to reach those who are still here and struggling, either loudly or silently, to hold them and let them know just how wildly loved and incredibly needed they are as we ask them to please, stay.
In loving memory of Peter Fitzgerald
Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.
- Christina Rossetti
*****
All funds will be going to Headspace Kiama for much needed staffing and resources for this small south coast town experiencing high rates of mental heath issues from adolescents to adults.
Dedicated to: Peter Fitzgerald and his family
Supporting headspace Kiama
headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.
Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace centres in over 157 communities across Australia, our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools.
The support headspace receives from the community helps us achieve our vision - that all young Australians are supported to be mentally healthy and engaged in their communities.
My Challenge History
Pushuperer for 4 years
| Push-Ups | Funds | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | $0 |
| 2025 | 3,214 | $2,053 |
| 2024 | 3,214 | $3,214 |
| 2023 | 3,214 | $3,214 |
| Total | 9,642 | $8,481 |
Part of Team Pushed to the Limit
