Boys To Men
Para: Through childhood trauma, I learnt to suppress my feelings at a young age. In 2009, being diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, I faced a tough battle with depression, again bottling up my emotions. I do what is natural to me and keep to myself, stay quiet, reserved and introverted. In 2010, I lost my 17-year-old brother Derek to suicide, and in 2023, my former employer of 11 years, friend, successful scaffolding business owner and mentor Steve also took his own life in the same way.
As a scaffolder in a male-dominated industry, I personally know how difficult it is to express those deeper feelings without fear of being judged, shamed or ridiculed. I have learnt that to share our feelings and experiences through conversations can make a positive impact. One conversation could save a life, a loved one, a work mate, a stranger or maybe even your own.
I'm proud to be walking alongside my 10 year old son and showing him how we can make a difference. I will personally know I have made an impact when it becomes normal for my son and his friends to talk and share their emotions.
I’ll be walking those 25km in memory of Derek and Steve, hoping to honor them and raise awareness for all the blokes out there struggling in silence.
WHO WILL YOU WALK FOR?
Thank you to our Sponsors
$520
Scafwest Team
$516
Wt Capital
Proud of you Shano, leading by example !
$264
Simon Moore
$211
Fez Duriban
$211
Peter Garic
Well done! I’m very proud of you!
$158
David Haydon
$109
Haiden Rangitoheriri
$106
Melvin Bignold
That's the one my bro all respects in what your doing. Been through some shit in the past 8months bro some dark roads slowly getting out of it.
$106
J C
Great work brothers! Keep it up..
$106
Carlos Foster
Awesome initiative bro. You have definitely traveled some tough roads through the years and hopefully your story can help someone through dark times.
$106
Coll&danny Morehu
Ka mau te wehi Bro💕⭐️
$106
Aaron Barwood
Great effort for a noble cause.
$106
Stacy Rua
Awesome bro putting your self out there we have all gone through stuff and done nothing about it wish you and this great organisation and your crew all the best .
$106
Phil Finn
Great initiative Paz, can relate only too well mate. Much love.
$106
Richard Perry
I wish I could be there tomorrow to support everyone but all I can do is donate
$106
Kyla Garic
This is fantastic. What a great cause to support.
$106
Taua Douglas
Shot bro for sharing what’s close and personal to you, and encouraging others to do the same. Mad respect for you bro. Chur
$106
Deb And Mark Quan
Great work team, much work is needed in this space. Proud of you all!
$106
Affordable Cuts Tree Service
$106
Sienna Wilson
Great work Shano!!!!
$106
Tate
$106
Phoenix Tech Consulting
Amazing chaps, thank you for stepping up 💙
$106
Paratene Waikari
$100
Chance Waikari
$100
Tess Mailman
$100
Anonymous
$56
Boss & Kelly Mabbett
Much love Whanau
$54
Josh Scharf
Good on ya mate
$54
Meekz Merito
$54
John Fisher
$54
Sam Rigg
$54
Nick Young
Well done mate.
$54
Denise Rakatau
Go hard bro
$54
Here Williams
Sending big loves whanau!
$54
Marty Freer
Love your work DG
$54
Joshua & Jordan James
Pai to mahi Chance
$54
Daniel Rameka
Lessgo neff Up the Wahs
$54
Karl Foster
Good on you bro. Walk hard👍
$54
Alyssa Quealy
Go Shano 🥳
$53
Justin Carnegie
Great cause 💯
$53
Scott Ker
Good Luck mate.
$50
Sandra Collier
So proud of you bro, supporting Para.
$50
Manu & Cherie Rangitoheriri
Love you Chance!!!
$50
Denise Rakatau
Nanny is so proud of you my moko
$50
Denise Rakatau
Thank you Jonathan for supporting our whanau
$50
Anne Nicholls
Koia kei a koe! You’re awesome! Proud of you bro supporting Para
$50
Kylie
So proud of you and everything you are doing in this space!
$50
Bernie Wilkes
$31
Jonathan Paul
$28
Mike Nicholls
$28
The Knotts
$28
Lisa And Graham Giles
Para- I also lost my only brother 5 years ago- my best friend. He took his life after his wife betrayed him and left behind two little girls. He had never suffered any depression till these events- he was in regional WA and fell between the cracks. Our lives changed forever .Thank you x Lisa G
$28
Ipu Smith
$28
Serhan Family
Well Done Team, 💙💪
$28
Amanda Horan
$28
Missy Mahauariki.
I can’t afford much, but this speaks to my heart. When I can, will reach out to you both, to chat to see what I can do to be involved. Not sure how much time, but I still want to have this chat. Lots of hugs. Sad day, 15 years still has me lost. Xxx Missy.
$28
Anonymous
$28
The Knotts
$28
Anonymous
Always up for your yarn
$25
Craig Sealey
$25
Mark Grundy
$23
Caidence Allatt
$23
Richelle Rigden
$23
Cassie Kay
$12
Great initiative Para, enjoy the walk