It was deemed tougher than a National Rugby League pre-season. But, a group of Hunter-based locals – including former NRL star Liam Foran, Newcastle Knights NRLW assistant coach Mark Wilton, Macquarie Scorpions mentor Jye Bayley and Lakes United Seagulls Life Member Tony Delany – braved the elements and pushed through the pain barrier for a great cause at the weekend.
The “Shoulders of Steel” team walked from Newcastle to Blacksmiths, and back through Warners Bay and Kotara to finish at the Merewether Surfhouse, 50km in total. And, if that wasn’t enough, each member donned a 10kg weighted vest.
Despite a few hiccups, and some sore hamstrings on the evening of Saturday 2 November, they raised more than $10,000 for the Top Blokes Foundation. The organisation is smashing stereotypes and reshaping the future of masculinity through long-term, evidence-based mentoring programs for 10 to 24-year-olds. Along the way, they’re determined to champion mental wellbeing, break down barriers and empower the next generation of “top blokes”.
“Lift the Load was the ultimate challenge,” Wilton said. “However, we just wanted to play our part because so many guys are dealing with mental health issues these days. “In fact, males account for 75% of suicide in Australia annually. “The 10kg symbolises the weight of mental health on the shoulders of young males and men, with a strong focus on miners in the Hunter.
“It’s important for us to show them that we have their back… and we’ll help them Lift the Load.”
Wilton admitted it was worth “every ache” to raise awareness of the subject.
“It was torture but we got there,” he told the Newcastle Weekly. “I guess that’s nothing though, especially when you’re dealing with mental health. Everyone knows someone who’s struggling or have been through it themselves. So, if we can do our bit, that’s great. Foz (Foran) reckoned it was harder than a Melbourne Storm or Sydney Roosters pre-season.I don’t think he’s too far wrong.
“Plus, it flogged down with rain about 4.30am, when we started. Then we got a little sidetracked and probably completed an extra kilometre or two because we were in the dark and trying to follow a map on the phone, which took us to Glenrock,” he added with a laugh. But, we’re thrilled with the result. That money will obviously assist the Top Blokes Foundation and its many initiatives.”
“However, I’m not going to lie; I didn’t pull up the best. I was in a world of hurt, as were a few of the other boys. Honestly, I sat in the car for 15 minutes on Saturday evening before I could get out. Then I had to sit in an ice bath for three-quarters of an hour. That 10kg for someone like myself, with dodgy ankles and knees, wasn’t ideal. The hardest bit for me was actually coming down Scenic Drive at the end. It was such a relief to see the Merewether Surfhouse. But, I’d do it again.”
“We all spoke about it afterwards and we’ll try to make it an annual event.”
