When Mornington Peninsula resident Paul begins his extraordinary journey this November, every step and every paddle stroke will carry a purpose far greater than reaching the finish line.
A retired first responder of 26 years, Paul lives with post-traumatic stress after his career was cut short by the cumulative impact of serving others. Now, five years into retirement, he is turning his own experience into a powerful mission to support fellow emergency service personnel.
His challenge, PT’s Paddle for PTS – Summit to Sea for PTSD, will see him travel almost 2500km over two months. Starting at the summit of Mt Kosciuszko, Paul will hike and mountain bike more than 90km to the Murray River before embarking on an epic solo and unsupported kayak expedition along the river’s length to Goolwa in South Australia, where it meets the Southern Ocean.
The ambitious expedition aims to raise $25,000 for TJF – The Journey Forward, a charity founded by former first responders that provides peer support and guidance for emergency service workers living with PTSD. Paul also hopes to shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by current and retired first responders. It is estimated that one Australian first responder dies by suicide every six weeks, while one in seven are living with probable PTSD, making them twice as likely to experience the disorder as the general population.
For Paul, this is far more than an endurance challenge. It is an opportunity to start conversations, reduce stigma and remind those who have dedicated their lives to protecting others that they are not alone.
Every donation supports TJF – The Journey Forward and its vital work helping current and former first responders living with PTSD. To support Paul’s expedition or make a donation, visit www.mycause.com.au/page/396717/pts-paddle-for-pts-summit-to-sea-for-ptsd
