K’s for R U OK is an initiative where participants choose a personal goal to run, walk, ride or other, during July. The activity aims to set a healthy habit, fund raise, and most importantly create conversations. Nathan loves how the project is so flexible, it makes it accessible for everyone.
On starting out, he thought, “I could probably do 100kms, and I broke it down to that’s only 3ks a day, that’s probably doable I guess.”
However this humble step to do something quickly grew, as both the number of Ks, and his supporters, grew. Halfway through the month his efforts via walking, riding, paddle boarding, and skateboarding saw him reach his 100km aim, and so he decided to double down. Alongside this, donations came rolling in from far and wide, each one buoying his motivation and ultimately reshaping his perspective. “I had gone from having a bit of fun, to having fun AND realising there’s awareness happening now.”
I had gone from having a bit of fun, to having fun AND realising there’s awareness happening now.
Awareness certainly did spread, attracting the attention of the R U OK? Team, who recognised him as an ambassador, and put Warrnambool on their map. Nathan has now voluntarily been a guest speaker at schools, sharing his message with students of looking after your mates with simple conversations. Additionally, his continued walks around town and along the promenade in his bright yellow t-shirt regularly attract others in the community to stop and say a hello, a thank you, or a congrats.
In meeting Nathan and hearing his story, his sincere motivation, approachability, and seeing his positive and calm outlook on life shine through, and it’s easy to see why he has so quickly made a difference engaging the community in mental health awareness. “Every conversation could save a life,” he says.
