About My Challenge
In 2001 – a classmate name Alicia Baker ended her own life.
Been in several classes with her; she was the closest person I knew to extinguish her own candle.
The impact was devastating – it ripped the heart and soul out of our year; not even speculating how her family and closest friends experience. Students were crying in our study room, with friends and classmates trying to stem the tears. The funeral was massively attended by our year; over 100+ students attended to say goodbye. The school offered counselling at a broad level for our year level.
The final act was for our Year 12 English teacher Mrs Beggs in tears to put a single white flower on the desk where Alicia use to sit. Nothing more was said; lessons and life continued on for us – bandaged as best as 2001 mental health care could provide.
I wish more was said. I never believed the HOW and WHY was anyone’s business – but as a collective group I wish the question of the WHAT was discussed:
- What signs did we miss?
- What could we have done to prevent the end?
- What could we learn from it all?
The recognition and acceptance of mental health has improved immensely a long way since our year 12 days.
Again this year I will be participating in the Pushup Challenge for mental health that hopefully will fund help for youth; like Alicia; to get them out of a very dark place before it is too late.
If you wish to sponsor me; please see the link below.
Stay classy.
Dedicated to: Alicia Baker
Supporting headspace
headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services for 12-25 year olds.
Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace centres in over 175 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 7 years
| Push-Ups | Funds | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | $155 |
| 2025 | 3,214 | $722 |
| 2024 | 3,249 | $675 |
| 2023 | 3,144 | $410 |
| 2022 | 3,139 | $410 |
| 2021 | 3,318 | $454 |
| 2020 | 3,046 | $1,528 |
| Total | 19,110 | $8,736 |
