by Bonnie Collings
Drouin local Max Simmonds walked 27 kilometres from Drouin to Yarragon last Wednesday for the Out of the Shadows Walk, raising money for Lifeline and awareness for mental health and suicide.
Beginning his journey near Drouin Secondary College, Max walked along the back roads towards Loch St in Yarragon. The Gazette met Max on the side of the road at the 25km mark of his journey.
Max said he wanted to walk on World Suicide Prevention Day in honour of his friend Jake.

"My friend Jake, he took his own life a couple months ago," Max said.<