Tom’s Journey

My name is Tom Mayo and I am a 19 year old living in South Australia. Throughout the last year of my life, I have lived with depression and anxiety. This has been a true struggle for me but I have been extremely lucky to have a wonderful support network around me, who have helped me push through my struggles.

After much reflection, I have decided to help those who may be struggling through the same problems I faced throughout this year. I had many issues with self confidence and anxiety with asking for help to face these troubles. I found The Man Cave organisation and think the message the team stands for is absolutely wonderful and I couldn’t think of an organisation more deserving of support through charity ideas and fundraisers. The work they do with the young people in our community is a credit to all who work for this organisation and who travel to schools all around the country to support young males within schools. As a pre service teacher, I believe that young people are the most valuable in society and helping young men to focus on their strengths rather than their perceived weaknesses is a key message that needs to be supported further. I also love the idea of promoting conversation between young men in schools. This is something that does not happen enough and I believe it is vital for our young people to first admit their struggles to their peers in a non judgemental environment, to then band together to help their mates and friends through their life challenges.

For this fundraiser, which I announced on facebook a week ago (Wednesday 23rd), I will be growing both the hair on my head and facial hair until March 16th. This date is my birthday and will be used as my “line in the sand” moment. Using these four months is not only for me to focus on my strengths and self confidence, but to also help others around me in different communities to begin to start the conversation. The idea of “paying it forward” is something I wish to focus on heavily throughout this fundraiser.

I would be so grateful if people were able to donate to this fundraiser. It would mean the absolute world to me and allow The Man Cave Organisation to continue the outstanding work in our schools.

Thank you for your ongoing support!