A Helensburgh couple will join a mass motorcycle gang and head to the red centre in August, to not only honour a lost loved one but raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.
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Marcus Wiltshire, 25, and his partner Emma Baker signed up to the Black Dog Ride after Mr Wiltshire's cousin and best mate, Mitchell Howard, tragically took his own life last November - gutting his close-knit family.
"Even though our family is scattered across eastern Australia we're close, and he meant a lot to everyone," Mr Wiltshire said. "It just tore things apart."
It was completely unexpected and shocking as the young father of two was "always bright and happy", and had only a month before asked Mr Wiltshire to be godfather to his son Logan.
The Black Dog Ride has raised $1.8 million for mental health services since kicking off the annual week-long journey to Uluru in 2009, with hundreds expected to take part from every corner of the country this year.
Mr Wiltshire said he was glad to have his partner supporting the cause, who would literally "back him up" on the back of his BMW touring bike.
His father, uncle and cousin will also join the crew along the way.
"It's nice to know I'm a part of something that is hopefully going to make a difference," he said.
"The less people in the world who have to go through what we've gone through the better."
The ride departs all states and territories on Saturday, August 15 - donations can be made by visiting everydayhero.com.au/event/ridetotheredcentre2015.
If you need help or support, call LifeLine on 13 11 14.
- One person commits suicide in Australia every four hours
- 75 per cent of all people who die by suicide are men
- Suicide among men in regional communities is twice as high as metropolitan areas
- Depression is the most prevalent mental health issue in Australia
- 1 in 5 will experience depression at some point in their lives
Source: Black Dog Ride charity
