About My Challenge
I'm completing 3,307 push-ups in 24 days to raise awareness and funds for mental health in Australia. You can show your support by making a tax-deductible donation to my page.
Why I am doing this
My photo was taken at my daughter’s birthday. Looking at it now, I remember feeling so genuinely happy in that moment and creating memories that still matter today.
What you can't see in the photo is that I was also carrying a great deal of negative emotion and stress – it was at the height of the Global Financial Crisis and like many at the time, I was incredibly worried about global markets, the economy, client’s portfolios, my responsibilities, and the future. Like most men, I didn't talk about it with anyone. I certainly didn’t ask for help. Most people would never have known or understood. Not much has changed there.
I don’t pretend to know what it is like for other people, especially the very many who have it much worse than I. But that's one of the lessons I need to keep relearning - you never really know what someone else is carrying. The person smiling beside you may be fighting a battle you cannot see.
Like people, things are rarely all good or all bad. Most of the time, it is a mixture of both - moments of joy, moments of struggle and moments of mundane simplicity, often existing side by side. The hard times pass, the good times pass, new chapters begin.
My new chapter is getting fitter and healthier, and I am looking forward to seeing if I can complete this push up challenge!
I am not qualified to tell anyone what or how to deal with friends or family who are struggling. Maybe only to remind everyone of something they already know. Sometimes the people who seem the strongest are the ones who need support the most - and if you're carrying something heavy yourself, remember that you don't have to carry it alone.
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 | 0 | $100 |
| Total | 0 | $100 |
Part of Team GEMBA crew
