An 800km trek is not quite a walk in the park, but for Alan Thorpe the daunting distance is worth it to help publicise and raise money for men’s mental health.
The Ballarat local, who also lived in Kyneton, is preparing to set off on an epic journey from Ballarat to Canberra – all on foot.
Mr Thorpe is no stranger to a 800km plus walk, setting off on multiple long stretches across state lines, all in efforts to raise money and awareness for men’s mental health.
After completing four walks in 20 months and raising $80,000 for Beyond Blue, a near miss at an event in 2023 affected his own mental health.
“A young man got run over and killed, and the car went straight past me, nearly hitting me,” Mr Thorpe said.
“I ended up just locking myself away at home for like 18 months, I was really struggling.
“I got back out from that and I’m back on the road this year.”
Mr Thorpe said the cause of men’s mental health is close to his heart, with his own father committing suicide 45 days before he was born.
“With my family history, it means the world to me,” he said.
“If I can save one bloke, then that’s what it’s all about.”
He plans to start his trek on 20 October, before stopping by his old hometown of Kyneton sometime that week.
He plans to finish at Parliament House in Canberra on 19 November, to coincide with International Men’s Day, raising awareness about the number of men who die by suicide every day.
To support his journey, find Mr Thorpe on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok at ‘Iwalkformensmentalhealth’.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
