Former soldier on board with new goal
Former New Zealand Army soldier Blair Benefield says skateboarding is his therapy.
After eight years serving in the army, including fighting in Afghanistan, he returned to New Zealand and developed post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depression.
‘‘It was difficult transferring from military to civilian ... you lose that purpose and pride you have in the army.’’
After war and leaving the army, he began having suicidal thoughts. ‘‘I knew that was the darkest place you could go.’’
He tried anti-depressants, counselling and group therapy but nothing seemed to work.
‘‘I became anti-social, uncontactable, withdrawn ... when the thought of my life ending was no longer terrifying, but relieving, I understood how it felt to lose the will to live.’’
Then he had a moment of clarity when he knew he had to find a ‘‘new purpose’’ after the military, he said. ‘‘Something big that would help build my confidence back up.’’
Benefield, who works as a landscaper in Mount Maunganui, started to plan his journey and made his own skateboard.
The board’s deck reads ‘‘Ride Against Depression’’ and he made the brake himself.
He has set up a Givealittle page where supporters can donate. All money raised will be donated to No Duff Charitable Trust, Youthline and Good Neighbour Trust.
Benefield is aiming to raise $150,000 for youth mental health, suicide prevention and community support services.
Maintaining his physical health in preparation for the ride helped his mental clarity, he said. ‘‘This whole lead up has been a great therapy for me to overcome my mental health issues.’’
He started his ride on February 20, in Southland, and aims to skate about 20km to 50km each day.
‘‘I live out of my backpack, but I’ve also been offered a whole lot of support from people and hospitality along the way,’’ he said.
‘‘Just good Kiwis opening up their home to me, and people I have never met before just wanting to support the cause.’’
People said they were inspired by him but Benefield said he was inspired by many others before his ride.