Call for all Tasmanians to get moving for mental health

On Tuesday 21st March, Mitch McPherson, founder of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, and six friends, supported by a team of 5 support crew, will run the 360km distance from Burnie to Hobart in 5 days stopping at Deloraine, Launceston, Ross and New Norfolk.

The inaugural Tour de Tig was organised by Mitch and his Dad in 2014, following the devastating loss of their son and brother to suicide the year before.

“The devastation of losing a loved one to suicide is huge. You have so many unanswered questions. Starting the charity and organising the first Tour de Tig was a way for my family and I to turn the tragedy of losing Ty into something positive.” Mitch said.

“The first Tour de Tig raised $20,000, we’re hoping to top that this year and hit the $30,000 mark”.

The group of runners met playing football together at Clarence and have been a strong support to Mitch and his family since losing Ty in 2013. Nick Paine, 38 from Geilston Bay, ran the distance with Mitch back in 2014 and is keen to take on the challenge again this year, “It was a great opportunity to be involved in something so positive. Raising awareness of mental health issues in the community is so important and I am keen to be involved in any way I can”, said Nick.

Since the first Tour de Tig, the charity has raised more than $300,000, hosted numerous fundraising events and is now widely recognised in the Tasmanian community with over 21,000 followers following the Stay ChatTY page on Facebook.

The public can participate by registering their own fitness goal to complete in the same week that the boys will be running, with all dollars raised contributed to the overall fundraising target for the event. Registration is through www.staychatty.com.au and participants are encourage to use the hashtag #GetMovinginMarch. Donations can also be made via the website.
Amanda French (Street) Business Development and Research Consultant