Former jockey and North Gosford resident, Andrew Hogan, is set to walk from Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse to Sydney’s Rosehill Racecourse to raise awareness and funds for mental health charities.
Hogan has personally been impacted by mental health and wants to do his part to help others.
He is no stranger to raising funds for charity – this is his third year of walking long distances for worthy causes.
The walk will start from September 15 and will end on October 10 with all funds raised going towards charities supporting Australians living with mental health challenges.
“Being a former jockey, I lost friends to mental health and it impacted my (own) mental health,” Hogan said.
“After losing my wife I was left to raise my two-year-old daughter on my own, and I have lived with the grief for 21 years, also impacting my own mental health.
“I am doing this walk for anyone (who has been impacted by) mental health; in other words, I am doing the walk for everyone.
“I finish on October 10; that is world mental health day, and it is also my 50th birthday.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to bring in my 50th, knowing I have helped so many along the way.”
Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid wished Hogan well on his walk.
“Mental health affects around one in five Australians every year and 43% of Australians will experience mental health challenges at some point in their life,” Reid said.
“Andrew is an outstanding local who is putting his body on the line to raise awareness and funds for Australians experiencing mental health issues.
“We all know someone who has been impacted by mental health issues at some point in their lives.
“Charities like Gotcha4Life and Mongrels Men assist Australians living with mental health issues, providing support and guidance.
“These organisations need our ongoing support to keep providing excellent services to communities across Australia.
“If you can, please donate to Andrew as he undertakes his journey or consider donating directly to your preferred mental health charity.”
You can donate to Hogan’s fundraiser at www.gofundme.com/f/walking-from-melbourne-to-sydney
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