Racing for Mens Health

In May of 2019 I tragically lost my older brother to suicide. He was a talented tradesman. Loyal and protective Brother, Husband and Stepfather. Like many Kiwi blokes he had struggled with his own mental health and with the loss and grief he had experienced throughout his life.

We lost our mum to cancer when my Bro was 17, he and Mum were very close and I know it affected him deeply. Then around 4 years ago his wife of over 20 Years passed away of a sudden heart attack at home one night. We thought he had come through that and had new plans and goals including a new Love, buying a race car and starting his own business. Then the unthinkable happened ! without talking to anyone about what was going on inside of his own mind, thoughts and emotions he suddenly and tragically took the decision to end his own life. For those of you reading this who have experienced this type of event, and there are far too many who have (the unnecessary loss of a loved one) know the huge hole that is left in so many people's hearts, and what we wouldn't do to have them back. But that's just not how it works, we all have to deal with the grief and loss as best we can with what we know and with those who share the journey with us.

One of my Bros last wishes was that his race car be left to me. He never did get the opportunity to race it on the track himself.

I pondered on what to do with it, after some consideration I decided to get my race licence and entered the car in the South Island 2K cup Championship. I'm convinced this was what my Bro would have wanted me to do. I won the Class A championship 0-1600cc In my first season.

One of my desires with racing in the 2Kcup is to bring awareness to Men's Mental Health Issues and for the need for us to be able to speak and talk about our challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

I believe "Hey Bro" an online support group is filling a much needed place for Kiwi Bros to be able to express their feelings in a space that is quite unique and supportive in a Kiwi Bloke kind of way. And that our "Team of 3000" should be promoted so that more Bros have the opportunity to be part of this valuable Kiwi Men's forum. Anything we can do, however small, to try and prevent one more Kiwi Brother, Father, Son, Cousin, Friend or work Colleague from harming themselves is a cause worthy of support.

To that end My Brother from another Mother Damon @ Let's get Graphic in ChCh has designed an

Incredible "Hey Bro livery" to adorn the little Toyota AE111 on the race tracks of the south Island.

The only thing left to do now is pay for it ! The cost to design, print and apply the vinyl is going to come in at approx $1100, that's with "Lets get Graphic" doing it close to cost price as part of his contribution towards the concept.