Dear family and friends,

I’m currently in training mode preparing to hike 18 kilometres to the peak of Mt Kosciuszko (9-11 March) to raise funds for RUOK? in honour of Edward Princi and to bring awareness to this important suicide charity.

Suicide is a topic that makes people uncomfortable and is quite misunderstood. I remember hearing over the years of people who had taken their own lives, and never really understood it. To this day it is something I don’t understand and don’t think I ever will. Last April, one of my colleagues took his own life. Edward Princi was someone I had worked alongside for four years – someone who was caring, genuine and had a heart of gold. We fought like siblings sometimes at work, however we liked and respected each other, and enjoyed being part of a close-knit team. Telling my friends and family that Ed had passed away was traumatic for me, and I felt devastated at his loss. They say one person’s suicide affects hundreds of people, and this is definitely the case with Princi. Mental health continues to be an area many of us overlook, and it is sometimes a tough thing to ask, ‘Are you okay?’. However, if asking this question saves a family member, friend, partner, colleague or neighbour from taking their own life, then we would never hesitate to ask the question. We shouldn’t feel shy or like we’re intruding to want to be there for someone – we’re all human at the end of the day. I decided in Ed’s memory that I would walk to the peak of Mt Kosciuszko to raise much needed funds for RUOK? I would love your support and donation through this link here so we can continue to fight this devastating illness that takes 8 people in Australia every day. Thank you so much for your support! Bindi