Tewantin Noosa RSL’s Diggers Bar manager Murph Manthey is no stranger to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her son has been battling it for four years since returning from Afghanistan and it’s been a hard struggle for him and his loved ones.
Murph has teamed up with fellow employee, Rachel Jarvis, to climb Kilimanjaro and raise awareness of PTSD.
“We decided upon Kilimanjaro as it is hard and it will be scary, just like suffering from PTSD. When we get to the top, we will struggle to breath just like when someone having a PTSD panic attack. We want those battling with PTSD to know that there ain’t no mountain high enough to stop us from getting the conversations started and to raise awareness. Any little thing we can do to help and possibly save a life is worth every step up that mountain,” Murph said.
Sufferers from PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, feelings of lack of control, low self-esteem or depression.
On average one veteran per week is taking their own life.
That’s a shocking statistic for those who have served to protect our country and lifestyle.
Murph and Rachel are currently raising funds for their Kilimanjaro journey with a car wash day at Noosa Pirates Rugby grounds, on Sunday 17 November, from 10am.
Get your car washed for $20 per car, plus there is a sausage sizzle, bar and good old-fashioned games like egg and spoon races and sack races.
There will be lots of fun to be had but primarily the fundraiser is focused around getting people talking about how they can maybe help just one person, by starting a conversation.
Information about Mates4Mates and Soldier On will be on display and you can find out how these organisations are helping our returned soldiers and what you can do to help too.
