Erich Hoffman to cycle 4000km from Perth to Macarthur to put spotlight on mental health and raise funds for Lifeline Australia
When Bradbury man Erich Hoffman’s father died and his wife walked out after 25 years of marriage, he fell into a black hole.
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WHEN Bradbury man Erich Hoffman’s father died and his wife walked out after 25 years of marriage, he fell into a black hole.
The father of three daughters said, like the typical male, he kept a lot of the emotions to himself.
“I felt my world had come to an end because my family was everything,” Mr Hoffman said.
“I blamed myself for a long time and I felt I was a failure because I couldn’t keep my marriage together.
“Lifeline Macarthur came in and told me to stop blaming myself for everything and there are two sides to every story.”
Today, fighting fit and back in control of his life, Mr Hoffman, 62, said he wanted to repay Lifeline Australia for the help, counselling and support he received because they showed him in his darkest days he was not alone.
Mr Hoffman, who works at the Australia Post transport hub at Smeaton Grange, is about to embark on an epic 4000km bike ride and endurance test to raise funds for Lifeline Australia.
On Saturday, September 2, he and longtime friend Rashid Khallouf, of Mt Annan, will fly to Perth, in Western Australia, and immediately cycle back to the Macarthur region to raise $1 for every km they peddle for the charity.
He also wants to highlight that a mental illness can happen to anyone and at any time of their lives.
Mr Hoffman has already raised about $3600 so far for Lifeline Australia thanks to the community’s support.
Admitting to feeling a bit nervous about the epic ride, Mr Hoffman estimates the adventure will take about 40 days and the duo hope to peddle into Campbelltown on or near October 10.
On their first day, they plan to cycle about 25km to the outskirts of Perth, and from there they hope to ride about 100km-150km each day, depending on the weather and tail winds.
They will have no support crew and will carry all of their food, water, sleeping bags, tents and supplies.
From Perth, they will head to the Nullarbor Plain and Mr Hoffman said the biggest challenge of this part of the trip was making sure they had enough water with them because some roadhouses were 200km apart.
They will then travel to Ceduna, Port Augusta, Mildura and Wagga Wagga before riding up the Old Hume Highway to the Macarthur area and Picton.
They will then stop at Lifeline Macarthur at Smeaton Grange before cycling to their finish line at Aquafit at Campbelltown, where both are members.
Mr Hoffman said he was so grateful to Lifeline he also volunteered as a telephone counsellor for a few years.
Mr Hoffman is in full training seven days a week and cycles 30-40km before work and another 20km after work.
He goes on longer rides on weekends and works out at the gym every day.
Mr Hoffman has been planning the epic ride for about 18 months.
“Lifeline was there for me when I needed support and I want to give something back to them.”
To donate, go to: everydayhero.com/au click on Find a Supporter and type in “Perth to Sydney”.
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