Tara’s riding 5,000km across Australia to raise $ for Lifeline

She’s experienced a lot of heartbreak in her life, but this firefighter wants to make sure that others get the help they need in a crisis.

CYCLING 5000KM: Raising funds and awareness for Lifeline is the inspiration behind NSW firefighter Tara Lal (right) and Sarah Davis riding 5,000km across Australia. The pair will arrive in Byron Bay on May 12, 2021.

When Tara Lal and friend Sarah Davis cycle the steep road to the Byron Bay lighthouse on Wednesday, May 12, there will no doubt be a few tears shed as they accomplish their heartfelt mission.

When they reach the lighthouse, it will mark the tenacious duo’s incredibly tough 60 day 5000km cycle from the most westerly point in WA to the most easterly point in Byron Bay to raise money for Lifeline Australia.

Ms Lal said she is doing the ride for a cause very close to her heart.

She said after losing her brother to suicide and caring for her father who has suffered mental health issues throughout his life, was is thrilled to so far have raised around $12,500 of their $20,000 target.

“For our international friends this (5000km) is the equivalent of cycling from England to America,” she said.

Ms Lal said their mission was to encourage growth through struggles with mental health, by sharing the lessons they’ve learned over the years with their own challenges with mental health.

“When my beloved brother Adam, died by suicide back in 1988, when I was 17, my life changed forever,” she said.

“There had been other events before that had shaken the ground I walked on.

“My mother’s death by cancer when I was 13 and my father’s debilitating lifelong battle with mental illness, but neither were as earth shatteringly traumatic as my brother’s death.

“Suicide and mental illness has impacted and altered every single day of my life since.”

Ms Lal said raising funds and awareness for Lifeline is a passion.

“On this ride where I will not only be raising money for Lifeline, but (also) raising awareness for suicide pre and postvention in our communities across Australia,” she said.

“Every call to Lifeline costs $39, that $39 has the potential to save so much more than one life.

“My own story speaks to the ripple effect of suicide over 30 years, and how it affected every aspect of my life (and) I am not alone.”

Ms Lal said for every person that dies by suicide 135 people are impacted, with at least 10 of those, suffering long term psychological and emotional distress, increased risk of suicide, difficulty forming healthy relationships and social isolation.

“The ripple effect stretches far beyond immediate family, affecting friends, colleagues and first responders,” she said.

“So, from me to you, a heartfelt thank you for your donation and support – you are literally a lifesaver in so many ways.”

You can find more details on Ms Lal’s journey here.