Firefighter Shayne Egan tackles Melbourne Marathon for mental health charity

Shayne Egan knows all about the trauma of working on the front line. After seeing some pretty unpleasant sights in his career, the Montmorency firefighter is determined to spread awareness across the country. And how he’s doing it will amaze you.

Montmorency firefighter Shayne Egan is ready to tackle the Melbourne Marathon. Picture: George Salpigtidis

A Montmorency man is taking his quest to raise awareness for depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder around the country.

Shayne Egan has run a marathon in every Australian state and territory except Victoria this year, but aims to conquer Melbourne on October 13.

The CFA member, who is running for mental health charity Walking Off The War Within, said it was crucial to highlight the “serious downside” of working on the front line.

“Firefighting is a fantastic career and very rewarding, but the downside is that you do see some very unpleasant things,” Mr Egan said.

“People I have worked with have developed anxiety and depression because of the job, but now everyone is really open about it — it’s not like the dark days when you were basically told to harden up and get on with it.

Montmorency firefighter Shayne Egan is running a marathon in every state. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“This is what the charity is about — it’s about breaking down those barriers and that stigma and to encourage people who are suffering to come forward and seek help.”

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Mr Egan said he had run about 1500km so far this year and would not be slowing down any time soon with the Melbourne Marathon approaching on October 13.

Anyone wanting to donate can transfer money to Walking Off The War Within.

BSB: 083-532

Account number: 313496633

For those needing help, contact Lifeline on 131 114.