Climbing to conquer PTSD - 14 Mountains in 14 Days

Climbing to Conquer PTSD – 14 Mountains in 14 Days has a dual objective, promoted and accomplished by way of a physical endurance challenge. In short, I will be completing what the title suggests, hiking 14 Mountains in NSW ranging from the Mid North Coast and heading south, culminating in climbing Australia's highest Mountain, Mount Kosciuszko. Other workers and the general public are invited to join where possible. I will both climb and descend one mountain across the footprint each day, travelling to the next after each hike.

The first mission objective is to raise awareness in the wider community and among the workers who dedicate their careers to helping others, of the prevalence of PTSD. Shining a spotlight onto the struggles of living with PTSD from suffering trauma, and the echoing effect this has on their families, friends and loved ones. Awareness is to also centre around services available to assist ES and ADF workers, both past and present, focussing particularly on two amazing not for profit services, Fortem Australia and Forge Through. The event will be established and promoted through various media platforms with daily updates, event details, photos, footage and testimony of each climb will be added along with sharing my own personal struggles with PTSD. Local television and radio coverage has already been secured with the aim to gain national attention.

The second mission objective is to use the challenge to gain sponsorship and raise much needed funds for the mentioned charities that provide vital services to workers, retired and present, and their families. The funds raised, with no exaggeration, will allow these charities to continue to save and improve the lives of those who sacrificed their mental health for others. A MyCause donation page link will be displayed for all donations with receipts.

“At the end of the day, if one person can reach out for help instead of losing their life, I would do this ten times over”