In memory of Ben Pearce Kokoda Trek Walk
Donation protected
On 3rd December 2018 my beautiful true blue Aussie full of life son took his own life. He was only 21 and had a full life ahead of him that sadly he will no longer experience. His passing and the way in which it occurred has left a hole in my life and the lives of his family and friends. The impact is immense.
Three days following his passing at 2am in the morning I was trying to come to grips with the whirlwind that I faced ahead. I was searching for some understanding on how I was going to cope and how I was going to help my family cope. I came across the website Mates in Construction. This is where I became aware that Mates in Construction hold an annual Kokoda trek which has become a pilgrimage in honour for not only our fallen diggers but our lost friends. It is then and there that I made the decision that I needed to with all my might, focus on something positive even though at the time all I felt was an intense sadness that had the ability to consume me.
Mates in Construction have personally supported me after my sons passing and continue to check in to ensure that I am doing OK. They provide suicide prevention programs to those in the construction, mining and energy industries which make a difference to so many people’s lives. Mates in Construction aim to reduce the rates of male suicide with prevention programs by raising awareness, coaching workplaces to identify those in need, provide support for those in need and undertake research. This is something that is dear to my heart and I feel it is so important in a society where the stigma of men not being able to talk about their feelings are seen as weakness or less manly.
The message of “IT IS NOT WEAK TO SPEAK OR ASK FOR HELP” needs to be spread throughout society to look after our men.
The annual pilgrimage along the Kokoda trail is a 96km gruelling trek that stretches through the PNG jungle and follows in the footsteps that our Aussie soldiers walked for our freedom during WWII.
My brother Ray James and cousin Nicole Stevens and I are seeking support to raise funds to complete the Kokoda trail in honor of my son. The trek is an opportunity to raise much needed funds to assist with suicide prevention programs and make a difference to so many people’s lives.
Any donation big or small, would be appreciated in helping me to honour my son and support a great charity.
Any monies raised over the cost of the trek will be donated to mates in construction NSW.
Three days following his passing at 2am in the morning I was trying to come to grips with the whirlwind that I faced ahead. I was searching for some understanding on how I was going to cope and how I was going to help my family cope. I came across the website Mates in Construction. This is where I became aware that Mates in Construction hold an annual Kokoda trek which has become a pilgrimage in honour for not only our fallen diggers but our lost friends. It is then and there that I made the decision that I needed to with all my might, focus on something positive even though at the time all I felt was an intense sadness that had the ability to consume me.
Mates in Construction have personally supported me after my sons passing and continue to check in to ensure that I am doing OK. They provide suicide prevention programs to those in the construction, mining and energy industries which make a difference to so many people’s lives. Mates in Construction aim to reduce the rates of male suicide with prevention programs by raising awareness, coaching workplaces to identify those in need, provide support for those in need and undertake research. This is something that is dear to my heart and I feel it is so important in a society where the stigma of men not being able to talk about their feelings are seen as weakness or less manly.
The message of “IT IS NOT WEAK TO SPEAK OR ASK FOR HELP” needs to be spread throughout society to look after our men.
The annual pilgrimage along the Kokoda trail is a 96km gruelling trek that stretches through the PNG jungle and follows in the footsteps that our Aussie soldiers walked for our freedom during WWII.
My brother Ray James and cousin Nicole Stevens and I are seeking support to raise funds to complete the Kokoda trail in honor of my son. The trek is an opportunity to raise much needed funds to assist with suicide prevention programs and make a difference to so many people’s lives.
Any donation big or small, would be appreciated in helping me to honour my son and support a great charity.
Any monies raised over the cost of the trek will be donated to mates in construction NSW.
Organizer
Margaret Pearce
Organizer