Ryan Van Maarion: Raw challenge event to raise awareness and honour mate

Ryan Van Maarion lost his life to mental health. Here’s how his friends plan to stop other young men taking their lives.

Former Henry Kendal High School student Ryan Van Maarion, 20, was a kind, loyal and compassionate young man who brought so much joy and laughter to everyone he met.

His friends said he was brave in the face of his battle with mental health disease and he reached out when he could, but for so many the burden of this disease was misunderstood and those who suffered from anxiety and other debilitating mental health illnesses, suffered in silence.

Ryan Van Maarion, 20, lost his life to mental illness but his friends wish to raise awareness about the condition by holding the Raw for Ryan challenge at Doyalson. Picture: supplied

So after Mr Van Maarion lost his battle with mental health on December 29, 2019, close friend Demi Rutter wanted some way to raise awareness about the condition, which claims so many lives.

Ms Rutter discovered Bridge The Gap, a small grassroots Central Coast charity led by three young men that creates a space for men to feel comfortable to speak up about their emotions and get them from “where they are, to where they want to be” by facilitating the resources and events to get them there.

Organisers are hoping to get as many people as possible to the Raw for Ryan event at Doyalson to raise awareness about suicide and mental health. Picture: Andrew Cooney

Together they are hosting the “Raw for Ryan” obstacle course at Raw Challenge, Doyalson on June 5.

Bridge The Gap co-founder, award-winning photographer and social media influencer Andrew Cooney said they were only too happy to help organise the event, which features more the 60 obstacles over a 4.5km course.

He said the event was a perfect way to showcase that “no matter how hard things get or how things seem, there’s someone there to give you a hand to get you over”.

Andrew Cooney. (AAP image / Mark Scott )

Mr Cooney said a GoFundMe page has also been launched with all proceeds going towards future events, including a big one at Crowne Plaza at the end of the year, and continue raising awareness about mental health.

“We all have someone in our lives, whether ourselves or a loved one who has been affected by mental health so we believe this event will hit home for a lot of people,” Ms Rutter said on the GoFundMe page.

The event hopes to demonstrate no matter how hard the obstacle there’s someone there to give you a hand to get over it. Picture: Andrew Cooney

“This is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and remember that `no matter the obstacle, there is always someone to help you get over the other side’.”

Mr Cooney said tickets were available through Eventbrite for $82 and there was no limit on tickets available.

He urged people to register a team of work colleagues, friends, family or sporting clubs to take part, have fun and raise much needed awareness.

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