Zane Kirkwood - Perth to Adelaide ride

Raising funds for Breakthrough Mental Health Foundation with funds going towards mental health research.

My Name is Zane I'm from Adelaide and I'm volunteering this ride to raise money for Breakthrough Mental Health Foundation here in Adelaide, South Australia. Parts of the money raised will be used to cover some of the costs of the ride but the large majority will be donated to Breakthrough for their research.

Here is my story on why I'm doing the ride:

I’ll be honest. I never thought I’d be back on a skateboard at age 28.
But here I am.

On October 19 I’ll be setting off from Perth and making my way to Adelaide by bike, skateboard and foot.

Why?
Because like many others every day I’m battling with my mental health.
This is something I’ve bottled up – only recently letting in those closest to me. I wanted to keep it quiet because I was ashamed and was afraid of burdening those who I told. But it’s something I’m now prepared to be open about.

Because it’s important.

With sharing this, also comes relief that I don’t have to hide anymore.
I was first told I had depression and anxiety when I was still in primary school. I didn’t really know what was going on, just that the world felt weird.

The past couple of years have been especially hard. One day I’m good, the next day really bad for no reason.
There’s been times when I’ve been unable to leave my house except for the four times a week I go to footy training and games.
Other times when I’ve felt nothing makes me happy. Times when I’ve not slept, been anxious and scared over little things, and my head spinning…when there’s just been no relief.
I’ve had panic attacks – sometimes before and during footy games.
I knew what was going on, but other people wouldn’t have.

I’ve been incredibly grateful for the support I’ve had from those around me. My family, my partner, my mates and the footy club. Those I’ve opened up to I can’t thank enough.
I want me sharing my story to open conversations and remind others to check-in.
Many of my mates aren’t aware of the signs and symptoms of those who are struggling with their mental health. I want to break down the stigma and make it less taboo.

So, I’ll be hopping on my bike and skateboard on October 19, with my dad and brother by my side.
The funds raised for the bike ride will go towards covering the expenses of the ride and the remaining profit will all be donated to Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation. They fund mental health research here in SA, including some which focuses on our footy communities. What I like about them is that they’re trying to find out more about what’s going on and why. They’re asking what’s led to people like me experiencing this. If you can spare some coin, please send it this way.

But most importantly, this is something I want to do for myself. To set myself a challenge to focus on and to tick it off.
It’s going to be a lot like getting out on the footy field. There’s been times I’ve battled and thought I couldn’t do it. But once I pick up my bag, I know I’m going. I just have to pick up the bag.

Getting on the skateboard will be the same. The hardest step is the first one, but then you get going.

Thanks for your support.
Zane