Jonah Lear’s family fundraising for mental health through Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward

Jonah Lear’s family are still struggling with “relentless grief” after his death. This month, they’re walking in his memory to raise awareness and funds for mental health.

Janina Lear, with her daughters and 20+ other people have formed a team, Jonah's Wings, to fundraise in the Black Dog Institute's One Foot Forward challenge. Picture: Mark Wilson

Ten months on from the gut-wrenching loss of Jonah Lear to suicide, his family are still dealing with the pain.

18-year-old Jonah died by suicide in November, 2022.

His mum, Janina Lear, said the pain of his loss was “relentless”.

“It’s like a bomb dropped on our family and blew us apart, and we’re still all really, really struggling,” she said.

“It’s just relentless, every day.”

Ms Lear said until you lose someone to suicide, you didn’t know how hard it was.

She said there were “so many questions” because of it, and one death was too many.

“No one should have to go through this,” Ms Lear said.

“It has to get better, especially for boys and men.

“Our life is just completely different to what it was, and I never want anybody to go through this, but it keeps happening.”

According to the Coroners Court of Victoria, there were 432 suspected deaths by suicide reported in Victoria between January and July.

Jonah Lear died by suicide just days before his 19th birthday. Picture: Supplied

This was an increase on the same period in 2022 (405), 2021 (400), 2020 (400) and 2019 (407).

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported the suicide rate increased in Victoria between 2021 and 2022, with more males than females dying by suicide in 2022.

To raise more awareness and funds toward research into mental health, Ms Lear, her daughters Bella and Lola and 21 other people are part of a team taking on the Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward challenge.

The virtual challenge asks people to run, walk or roll a chosen distance throughout Mental Health Month, October.

Janina Lear, with her daughters and 20+ other people have formed a team, Jonah's Wings, to fundraise in the Black Dog Institute's One Foot Forward challenge. Picture: Mark Wilson

It raises money for treatment, education and digital services, and aims to show solidarity

to Australians impacted by mental illness.

The Lear team, named Jonah’s Wings, is aiming to raise $10,000.

Ms Lear said the family wanted to keep honouring Jonah, and saying his name to keep his memory alive.

“We feel like he’s out there, looking after us,” Ms Lear said.

“He was such a gentle, loving boy. I do see him as an angel.”

A Barwon Health spokesman said there had been a significant expansion in services across the region.

“This includes new community-based and inpatient services,” he said.

“The ED continues to provide an important service for people experiencing acute mental health episodes.”

Ms Lear said donations to One Foot Forward of any amount could make a huge difference.

“Every single bit adds up,” she said.

She said the family were humbled and incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from the Geelong and broader community.

Ms Lear said One Foot Forward was key to starting important conversations about mental health, while also encouraging participants to look after themselves with exercise and nature.

To donate to Jonah’s Wings, visit www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/JonahsWings

Originally published as Jonah Lear’s family fundraising for mental health through Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward