MOTIVATED by wanting to help a friend whose son took his own life, Greg Wallace and six mates will cycle across the Nullarbor next month.
“I wanted to create an event that would see Quentin (Pearson) through the next eight months of his life,” Mr Wallace said.
The eight months included the one-year anniversary since Mr Pearson’s son Kodi died.
“I wanted to do something that he could physically, mentally and emotionally attach himself to.”
Mr Wallace said he had seen people struggle with having nothing to look forward to, and hope for, after a family member took their own life.
Mr Wallace said the day after Kodi died, he spoke to Mr and Mrs Pearson, who he had known for more than 10 years, about starting an organisation to focus on the dangers of bullying.
Mr Wallace said Kodi had left a note in which he described how he had tried to deal with the bullying he had experienced.
The organisation Kodi’s Message educates children, parents and role models about the dangers of bullying and signs to look for.
Mr Wallace, together with Kodi’s sister Tayla, mother Michelle and Quentin, talk at schools about what the family has been through and share information about resources available.
The seven cyclists will ride the 1200 kilometres across the Nullarbor over nine days next month.
They have been training for up to four hours a day to build up their fitness levels.
“Everybody is new to cycling,” Mr Wallace said. “Not one person has done more than ride their BMX bikes to the park as a kid.”
Mr Wallace said at the age of 52 he was the eldest in the group, while the youngest was about 40.
“It will be tough for everyone, but we are doing it to support Quentin. We just want to make sure he makes it.”
Each cyclist aims to raise $5000 before heading off on the ride on September 20.
For information and to donate to the cyclists, see kodismessage.com.au.
Visit Kodi’s Message on Facebook at facebook.com/kodismessage
Contact details for crisis services
- Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 kidshelp.com.au
- MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 mensline.org.au