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Fundraising motorcycle trio to raise awareness for men’s mental health in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Headshot of Madeleine Clark
Madeleine ClarkKalgoorlie Miner
Wheels for Reason members include (back) Syd Anning, Josh Toovey, Paul Anning, (front) Margo Young, Sherie Anderson and Talia Simmons.
Camera IconWheels for Reason members include (back) Syd Anning, Josh Toovey, Paul Anning, (front) Margo Young, Sherie Anderson and Talia Simmons. Credit: Kalgoorlie Miner/Supplied

Walk for Reason charity fundraising group will trade in running shoes for CT100 motorcycles in September as Paul Anning, Syd Anning, and Josh Toovey embark on fundraising and awareness ride.

The round trip on the former Australia Post motorcycles, aimed at raising awareness about men’s mental health and encouraging people to speak up, begins in Mount Barker on September 10, and travels through the South West, Wheatbelt and Goldfields across a two-week period.

Paul Anning said he hoped to speak with as many people as possible along the route and spread the group’s message encouraging everyone to talk about mental health without prejudice.

In late 2018, Mr Anning was combating depression and in an attempt to address his struggle he started walking daily.

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He eventually started to raise awareness around men’s mental health in his local Mount Barker community by walking further distances and sparking conversations.

Former Australia Post CT100 motorcycle.
Camera IconFormer Australia Post CT100 motorcycle. Credit: Kalgoorlie Miner/Supplied

“I was walking about 15-20km each day and I started to think why not use this a talking point to help other people suffering with mental health and maybe raise some money,” he said.

“We came up with the idea of a bike ride after I completed two 50km charity walks in 2019 and 2021. The first walk was Albany to Mount Barker and then second walk was back the other way.

“In 2019, we raised $7500 for type 1 diabetes and the Black Dog Institute and in 2021 we raised $21,700 for Beyond Blue and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“For the bike ride, we picked a route that coincides with a lot of local Lions’ Clubs so we can team up with them along the way to keep costs down as they are helping us with accommodation and meals.

“We are involved with 12 or 14 clubs now, a couple of Shires are sponsoring our stays, and the motocross club in Kalgoorlie is sponsoring our stay for the two nights.

“A few businesses have already agreed to donate when we get to Kalgoorlie and we will be stopping in to as many other businesses as we can to raise more money.

“So far we have raised $31,980 for Vision Australia and Lifeline WA. We picked Vision Australia because one of our members has in the last 18 months lost her sight and going through this life-altering change has gravely impacted her and her family.

“So we want to donate some funds there and hopefully sponsor some guide dogs that can help others that are suffering similar situations.

Former Australia Post CT100 motorcycle.
Camera IconFormer Australia Post CT100 motorcycle. Credit: Kalgoorlie Miner/Supplied

“Our local community has been amazing and have been really supportive of me personally. We host lots of events that help people in the community see they’re not alone.

“I have had a few people reach out to me and ask how to go about getting advice or who to talk to so we are definitely having an impact and the response has been pretty huge.”

Mr Anning said he was sure many in Kalgoorlie-Boulder would see the fundraising trio as they spend some time in town on their bikes and connecting with the local community.

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