As Men’s Health Week begins, I’ve decided it’s about time I shared something that very few people know.

For most of my life, I was the bloke everyone thought had it all together. I worked hard and built a business over 35 years to provide for my family. I carried a huge amount of responsibility, and always tried to be the strong one.

But after selling my business and then going through a relationship breakdown shortly afterwards, my world came crashing down and I found myself in a place I never thought possible. A very dark place. A place where I questioned whether life was worth living. A place where I genuinely wanted to end my life.

Those words are difficult to write, and no doubt hard to hear, but they’re important to say. Because if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.

I was admitted to a mental health hospital. I spent weeks there undergoing extensive psychological treatment, attending classes, counselling sessions and did the hard work of rebuilding myself from the inside out. Reflecting on a lot.

At the time, I felt embarrassed. But today, I feel grateful. Grateful that I asked for help. Grateful that I could access the help and for the tools that professionals gave me to heal. And grateful that I am still here.

What I’ve learned is this…

Mental illness doesn’t care how successful you are.

It doesn’t care how much money you have.

It doesn’t care how tough you think you are.

It can affect any of us.

To every bloke reading this… If you’re struggling, please don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your partner. Talk to a mate. Talk to your family. Talk to your doctor. Or call a support service.

As men, we’ve often been taught to tough it out and keep moving forward. But one of the bravest things you could ever do is put your hand up and say, “I’m not okay.”

To raise awareness for Men’s Mental health, and the phenomenal work of Movember - I’m walking 845 kilometers from Melbourne to Adelaide. There’s a personal reason why I’ve chosen to go from Melbourne to Adelaide though.

In 2025, after leaving Adelaide and driving home, my mental health struggles truly surfaced. Looking back now, that journey marked the beginning of the darkest chapter of my life. It was the point where everything I thought I knew about myself unravelled.

This 845 kilometer walk from Melbourne to Adelaide is not just about raising money for Movember. It is about walking back towards the place where my journey began and proving that recovery is possible. It is a reminder that no matter how dark life becomes, there is always a way forward.

On the 11th of November this year, I will begin my walk. I know it won’t be easy. No doubt there will be sore feet, long days, challenging weather and plenty of moments that test me physically and mentally. So between now and November, I’ll be pounding the pavement, building up the kilometres and preparing myself and my body for what’s ahead. And I won’t be doing it alone. My little mate Archie will be by my side, helping me take one step at a time.

While I’m opening up, I also want to acknowledge some of the people who helped me through the darkest period of my life, and who are still there for me now.

My eldest son Josh, who showed incredible strength, support and love when I needed it most. Earlier this year, Josh experienced the grief of losing a very close mate to mental illness, a heartbreaking reminder of why these conversations are so important and why we must continue to encourage people to reach out for help.

My best mate, who answered the call when I was at my absolute lowest.

A handful of close mates who stood beside me when I felt completely broken.

And some incredible women whose kindness, compassion, encouragement and unwavering support helped carry me through some of the darkest days of my life.

You all know who you are.

There were times when I didn’t think I could keep going. Without your support, your phone calls, your messages, your encouragement and simply being there, I honestly don’t know if I would have found my way through.

This walk is for every one of you. But most importantly, it is for every bloke out there who may be struggling in silence right now.

Keep an eye out for more, and in November, Archie and I will take the first steps on our 845 kilometer journey from Melbourne to Adelaide.

Together we’ll be walking for awareness. Walking for recovery. Walking for every family that has been touched by mental illness. And walking for every bloke who needs to know that asking for help is not weak, it’s one of the strongest things you’ll ever do.

If sharing my story encourages just one person to reach out for help… If one family avoids the heartbreak that mental illness can bring… If one life is saved… Then every single kilometre, every blister, every early morning and every step of that 845 kilometer journey will be worth it.

Please look after yourselves. Check in on your mates.

And please remember that no matter how tough life gets, you never ha