On December 6th 2024, we received the phone call no one wants to get, and on the 8th of December 2024 we said our final goodbyes to our Johnny boy.

Almost 12 months since we last saw him, we’re still learning to grieve the loss of someone who should be here. Someone who was the absolute life of the party, who always had a smile on his face, who cared for everyone around him and did everything he could for his nearest and dearest. Unfortunately, time will not heal this wound. But by talking about it, I believe it helps to rid the stigma of mental health and to push people to speak out when they’re struggling, and access the help they require before it’s too late.

Although we would give anything in the world to have more time, we feel so lucky to have had 54 years with John.

So, on December 4th, I will be running 54kms, to celebrate and remember the amazing person who was John Sturgeon McGill. I will be running to promote the various organisations we can access in Mackay for mental health, to show how easily accessible these organisations are and to promote talking about mental health to your friends, family or anyone will listen. All donations will be going towards the Black Dog Institute. An organisation who are leading first-world research to prevent depression and anxiety in young Australians and learning more ways we can prevent this from happening to any other family.

Anyone is only ever a phone call away, and there is always, always someone who will listen