Dad embarks on incredible journey for mental health

With every ache coursing through Chris Paterson's body, a small voice inside his head will tell him to give up.

Chris Paterson runs Bamboo Project, which uses water-based activities to help people struggling with mental illness. Picture: John McCutcheon

WITH every ache coursing through Chris Paterson's body, a small voice inside his head will tell him to give up.

But he knows putting just one foot in front of the other is enough to inspire those around him to keep moving forward no matter what.

The Sunshine Coast man began impacting lives with his charity Bamboo Projects in 2015.

It aims to utilise outdoor therapies to help those with mental health struggles.

Now Mr Paterson wants to take his vision all across the country: for 16,000km, to be exact.

He will be running, kayaking and riding solo around Australia for 50km a day to raise money for his charity, while also holding events in farming and indigenous communities.

Although it will be tough for Mr Paterson, it's nothing compared to what he's already been through.

"I started the charity because I know people's anxiety is not just stress and their depression is not just sadness, because I know that feeling of nothingness,” he said.

"But then I know how to get back to your old self, and you become a stronger person for it as well.”

Mr Paterson, his wife Kristy and two sons have sold all their possessions and will travel across the country for an expected 16-month journey.

"We want to show people you can do whatever you put your minds to,” he said.

"We have always struggled the past five years for funding, and people don't see the behind the scenes costs of running a charity.

"So we're hoping this gets the government's attention and they will help fund us and keep our vision alive.”

Mr Paterson and his family will leave on August 2 and are hosting a farewell on July 27 at La Balsa Park.

Head Bamboo Project on Facebook for more.