An Albury Brazilian jiu jitsu instructor is riding and wrestling his way to the Gold Coast to raise awareness of suicide and depression.
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At the end of each 130-kilometre day, John Mee of Synergy Training Centre will visit gyms to give jiu jitsu demonstrations and talks on the issue.
Leaving tomorrow morning, the 1500-kilometre ride will end in Burleigh Heads 12 days later.
Wagga, Harden, Kempsey, Coffs Habour and Byron Bay are among the places where Mr Mee will visit.
He said after the suicides of people close to his family, he felt the issue should be talked about.
“On both sides of the family, we’ve been touched by suicide and depression,” Mr Mee said.
“What happens to the families left behind and the ripple effect that creates should be discussed.”
Mr Mee said he also wanted to raise awareness about the “lacking mental health system”.
He said with the growing popularity of the sport he was likely to get a good turnout at the gyms to spread his message.
Student Brad Hazell will ride and help with demonstrations for the first two legs of the trip.