http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/heartfelt-touch/1857122/
MACKAY'S Jason O'Shannessy went through some dark times for a while.
Depression and anxiety after a marriage break-up took him to unfamiliar places but he's now back on his bike, so to speak.
O'Shannessy is planning a four-day charity bike ride to raise funds for Beyond Blue, to help raise awareness of the foundation that helps those with depression and anxiety disorders.
"I dealt with it personally, myself, and I know a lot of people who experienced a bit of depression themselves or through other people, so I feel it touched my heart," he said.
The 41-year-old Bakers Creek Aussie rules player has been training every couple of days, riding 40 to 80km between work and footy training in preparation for the 940km journey to Caboolture.
"I'm by no means an elite athlete or anything like that and I'm not doing it to break any records - it's just about getting to the end mate," he said. "Things seem to be getting tougher in our society, cost of living, natural disasters like the floods in Gladstone - one thing leads to another and people need to know you can overcome it, there is help out there."
O'Shannessy will begin his ride at 4am on Thursday, June 6, on the longest leg of the journey, to Rockhampton.
His partner, Rebecca, will leave in a vehicle after she finishes work on Thursday and act as his support crew, carrying the basic necessities and equipment should he need repairs.
"A lot of people say I'm nuts, because of the distance," he said. "And as much as it is about raising funds, it's also a very personal physical, mental challenge for me. I pondered the thought of riding for a long time but needed that cause behind me."
You can help O'Shannessy achieve his goal by donating through his Facebook page "Mackay to Caboolture charity ride".
Last Modified on 07/05/2013 13:53