By Jena Carr
A solo cyclist has passed through Geelong on his journey to raise money for Lifeline and increase mental health awareness.
Ian Kidd started his 1800km journey on April 5 from his home in Newcastle, New South Wales, to Wilson’s Promontory, Gippsland, stopping off at Lifeline Geelong on Monday, April 8.
Mr Kidd said he described himself as a “mental illness survivor” and was looking to support Lifeline through his Riding for Connection initiative.
“I’m doing it for Lifeline as I owe so much to them… I’ve basically been to the point of suicide twice in my life and probably 2018 was the last time,” he said.
“I look back on the times when I tried to cope with my mental illness alone without help until I finally connected with Lifeline, and think, ‘Why didn’t I connect so much earlier?’.
“I’ve had a big turnaround in my life and Lifeline has played a big part in helping me to become positive again and see the value of reconnecting with people rather than doing things on my own.”
Mr Kidd said he carried the “power of resilience” throughout his ride and expected to return to Newcastle on April 19.
“Feeling good is a whole of a lot better than feeling bad…and all the money that people donate will go to Lifeline to help them expand their services,” he said.
“I tell people three things; you don’t need to do it alone, don’t think you’re weak, and don’t think that it’s not real. The most important advice is to get the help of someone who knows.”
Visit riding-for-connection.raiselysite.com to donate to Lifeline through Mr Kidd’s cycling journey and follow his process at facebook.com/ian.kidd.10888
Help is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13 Yarn on 13 92 76.
