About My Challenge
As someone who suffered quite publicly with mental health issues and having lost a few friends along the way, mental health support and suicide prevention is very close to my heart. With this challenge, I hope to raise awareness and funding for mental health in Australia, at the same time kick start a personal recovery.
The advertised challenge is to complete 3,307 push-ups in 24 days as that is the number of suicides in Australia in 2024, according to the most recent available data. During this study it was identified that males are 3 x more likely to commit suicide than females, with middle aged men (40-59) in the highest risk profile, frequently citing relationship breakdown, parental alienation, financial strain, and social isolation as primary contributing stressors.
In 2024, a Defence and Veteran's Service commission announced that between 1985 and 2023 there were 2,193 serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Forces members who died by suicide. Ex-Serving Males - 26% to 42% more likely to die by suicide than the general Australian male population. Notably, Veterans who separated involuntarily for medical or administrative reasons have the highest risk, with rates up to three times higher than those who left voluntarily.
As a middle aged male Army Veteran, with service related medical issues, I am in one of the highest risk categories documented and will be tripling my challenge to match the difference. In 24 days, I will complete 3,307 push-ups as per The Challenge, 3,307 sit-ups for the middle aged men, and 2,193 pull-ups for current and serving military personnel.
I am coming into this challenge a little raw and unprepared having not participated in regular exercise since October 2023 (coaching an amatuer soccer team doesn't really count), I haven't been active in a gym in 6 years, and haven't routinely undertaken push-up, sit-ups, and pull-ups since I left the Army in 2010.
If you have read this far, please go that little bit further by making a tax-deductible donation to my page, and holding me accountable for this challenge.
Every dollar helps #pushforbetter mental health outcomes in Australia by funding much-needed mental health services and initiatives.
Dedicated to: Veterans
Supporting Lifeline
Lifeline is a national charity providing Australians who are experiencing emotional distress access to 24-hour crisis support, suicide prevention, mental health, and domestic and family violence prevention services.
Lifeline exists to ensure that no person in Australia has to face their toughest moments alone.
Our experience has shown us that it is through connection that we can find hope. That’s why we are available 24 hours a day to listen without judgement to anyone in Australia who is feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or experiencing a crisis. Each year, Lifeline receives over 1.3 million contacts to our crisis support services.
By supporting Lifeline, you are ensuring the Lifeline network has the critical technology, resources and people necessary to deliver crisis support, self-led support, and counselling services around the clock.
My Challenge History
Pushuperer for 1 year
| Push-Ups | Funds | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3,307 | $692 |
| Total | 3,307 | $692 |
