JourneyOnline
LIFELINE AUSTRALIA and UnitingCare Community, in Queensland, is supporting the efforts of the Cycle 4 Life team who cycled 1600kms, from Canberra to Brisbane, to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.
Canberra locals, Philippa Seldon and friend Gary Lilley, completed their epic journey at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens on 10 September after stopping at Lifeline Broadbeach on Thursday 8 September.
Ms Seldon said the journey was inspired by the tragic loss of her brother, Dale, to suicide two years ago.
“Losing a loved one by suicide leaves so many questions unanswered and so much heartache for family and friends,” she said.
“I would like to turn my family’s pain and Dale’s death into something positive.
“Every kilometre that Gary and I rode is nothing compared to what those grieving the loss of a loved one endure.
“My goal is to educate people about suicide prevention, what we all can do to assist someone at risk of suicide, and to make people aware of the professional support that is available,” she said.
Lifeline Australia is at the forefront of suicide prevention helping over 1250 Australians in crisis every day.
“Up to 50 of these calls each day are from people at high risk of suicide but many more don’t seek help,” said Ms Seldon.
UnitingCare Community (formerly Lifeline Community Care Queensland) spokesperson, Anna Masci, said raising awareness about suicide prevention and the importance of help-seeking is an ongoing priority.
“This is why we banded together to ensure Philippa and Gary’s efforts have not gone unacknowledged.
“Phillipa and Gary’s journey has been a tough one, but their determination to pay tribute to their lost love one and to raise
awareness of the life changing effects suicide can have is truly touching.”
Both Ms Seldon and Mr Lilley were exhausted but proud of their achievement.
“The cycle has only made us more passionate about suicide prevention and the work that
Lifeline does,” Ms Seldon said.
“Having our journey acknowledged with a BBQ at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens is really great and will further help to raise awareness.”
The Cycle 4 Life team’s efforts raised over $8900 which will help support Lifeline Canberra and the national crisis telephone counselling service.
For emotional crisis phone support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or for information and resources visit www.lifeline.org.au.
For more information on Cycle 4 Life visit www.cycle4life.org.au
Photo : Gary Lilley (front) and Philippa Seldon visit Broadbeach. Photo courtesy of Merryl Mills and UnitingCare Community Broadbeach
