Fire step up to promote mental health
THE Townsville Fire are busy putting the finishing touches on their WNBL preparations, but they took some time away from the court yesterday to help raise awareness for mental health.
New Fire recruits Ally Malott and Tess Madgen, along with students from The Cathedral School, joined in the Peter Project’s 550km walk from Bowen to Cairns.
The Peter Project was formed this year to honour the memory of Peter Dejong and to help open the important conversation on suicide prevention. Peter’s family are walking from their home in Bowen to his final resting place in Cairns while also talking to schools along the journey to discuss the issue of mental health.
The Fire stars said they were honoured to be involved with such an important cause.
“I think it’s really important to ask people how they’re going every day, and if you are struggling or having a hard time, to be able to speak to people and seek help,” Madgen said.
“We’re not walking too far, but just any awareness we can raise for this cause is awesome.
Malott added: “They show us so much support in coming to our games, so it’s really important for us to give back to the community.”
Sarah Bon, president of the Peter Project and Peter’s aunt, admitted the trek had been tough going, but she said it was heartening to have so much community support including the Fire.
“They just kept asking when are you getting here and they’ve worked around us even though they’ve got training this afternoon,” she said.