Thank you for supporting Lifeline WA!
My campaign 'Beneath the Surface" is linking Lifeline WA, Mental Health & Suicide and to Swimming
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Western Australians aged between 15-44. This is the case for many in the US and the UK also. A shocking statistic.
With the Covid 19 pandemic, the consequences on those who are most vulnerable and susceptible to mental health issues has skyrocketed. Thankfully, the outlet that Lifeline nationally has and here in WA, provides support and care through their telephone crisis support volunteers to listen to those seeking help. It costs Lifeline WA $4000 to train one volunteer and I am hoping to be able to raise enough money to train at least 2-3.
What Is Peak to Pond?
My ambition was and still is to complete the seven highest mountains on each continent and that will be realised in 2022 with the last mountain in Antarctica. However, after completing and reaching the Everest summit back in May 2019 and raising funds and awareness for Lifeline WA, a second challenge and rare double peaked my interest. That is to complete the English Channel Swim and Mount Everest double and with the last two years being dedicated to training and large 20k plus ocean channel swims, i am ready for the reality to hit home in June/July 2021 and attempt it.
Why Lifeline and what is my connection?
Lifeline holds a special place for me as i can certainly relate to troubled times back when i was in the most vulnerable age bracket (17/18). Its quite amazing how things can build so quickly to a point where you feel there are no alternatives and that dark thoughts are the ideal path forward. At that time Lifeline or other options were not available. So when i arrived in Australia and began raising money with the mountaineering expeditions it really became something to build and raise as much money and awareness as possible.
I don't live in Australia - why should i donate?
Lifeline and its methods will no doubt be shared with like minded companies and charities all over the world. Any learnings that can be passed on, helps create the problem shared is a problem halved ethos and spreads the word of successes here to further afield.
Whats next after English Channel?
The next step will be completing the 7 summits (which always was the intention) and booking the Antarctic climb and south pole ski and Cartenz Pyramid to complete the 7. After that who knows but i'm firmly focussed on the English Channel for now as i feel it will be even harder than Everest.
Fantastic effort Greg, bloody well done