Local trio set for appearance on "Adventure All Stars TV"

A trio of local footy identities has been cast to appear in a television adventure show to raise funds and awareness for mental health charity Mindfull Aus.

Paul Pratt and Jack Symes from Buln Buln and Troy Hemming from Warragul Industrials will film “Adventure All Stars TV” mid next year to raise the profile of Mindfull Aus across Australia as well as overseas.

As a result, Paul and Jack aim to run 250 laps of Geoff Watt Track totalling 100km on Saturday in the hopes of raising $5000 for Mindfull Aus.

The catch is, to make the duo run that far, they need a $20 donation per lap.

“The body will be well and truly done by 60km,” admits Paul.  “It’s what’s upstairs that will get me through.”

Paul has been training for a big run - he feels like a better person when he’s active and healthy.  This in turn helps him cope better with the stresses that life throws.

Jack has only run 40km on two occasions and completed his first marathon recently.

“If we’re doing it, I’ll give it a go.” 

The duo will start the incredible effort at 6am at the Burke St track in Warragul and aim to finish before 6pm.  They are inviting people to come down, make a donation, join some fun activities, have a barbecue lunch or even join in for a few laps.

Paul learned of Mindfull Aus and its founder Matt Runnalls, formerly of Warragul, on social media.  He was particularly impressed by Matt’s preventative mental health work in local schools focusing on mindfulness.

He jumped on board the TV show at a time when the community was impacted by suicides and believes it’s vital to raise awareness that there is help available.

Jack, currently studying mental health, undertook a Mindfull Aus mental health first aid course and described it as beneficial and “one of the best courses I’ve done”.

“It’s something I’m passionate about,” said Jack.  “Over the past few months, people are obviously going through tough times.”

Troy was the last of the trio to sign up for the TV show and said it was more about challenging himself.

“I went through some tough stages with a skin condition,” Troy said.  “I got through it with support of my mates.  If I can do it, anybody can do it.”

The three believe talking openly about mental health experiences, sharing individual vulnerabilities and reducing stigma will ultimately help other mates to do the same.

Troy also wants mental health first aid officers to be at each local sporting clubs.

Paul said it was easy for locals, especially in sporting clubs, to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.  

“But there’s a better choice,” he said.

To donate and make Paul and Jack run 100km, visit mindfullausfundraiser.raisely.com/t/mindfulkilometres.

To find out more about Mindfull Aus, visit mindfullaus.org.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 131 114.