Walk to raise awareness of depression

MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, 31 August 2007, 10:30 am

Louder than Silence

Walk to raise awareness of depression

26 Days, 1,770 Kilometres, One step at a time

Andre Jackson a brave and determined young man with a mission left Wellington at 7am this morning to begin a mammoth walk that will take him from his home city to Auckland and back again - all to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.

Andre says, “People who live with depression need to know that it does not have to become the psychological full stop for their life. They don’t need to 'suck it up' or 'put up with it'. I want to help change that attitude. We need to change it!”

Andre is carrying a large ‘Louder than Silence’ banner which he is encouraging people to sign to show their support for the cause.

Later in the walk, support for his on-foot efforts may be displayed on a comprehensive website scheduled to be updated with photos and tales as the walk progresses. When completed, the website will also have useful links for those who want more information on depression – www.louderthansilence.net

Andre is keen for others to join him on parts of the walk and already has support from celebrities, including Shortland Street star Ben Mitchell, otherwise known as ‘TK’, authors, MPs and now wants New Zealand to be involved.

Andre aims to raise $10,000 for the Mental Health Foundation through the walk and donations can be made through the website – www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/louderthansilence

Andre leaves Wellington for Auckland on August 31st and expects to return on September 27th.

Until Andre's main website is completed, messages of support can be left as blog entries on the donation page.

If you want to meet up with Andre, the attached pdf contains his approximate timetable.

ENDS

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