Shortly after Troy Selwood’s funeral in February, his twin brother Adam realised he needed to take action.
Troy, a former Brisbane Lions player and father of two, died suddenly in February at the age of 40.
Adam Selwood is taking part in the HBF Run for a Reason to raise money for mental health charity zero2hero in memory of his brother Troy.Credit: 9News Perth
His death by suicide left the Selwood family – including Adam, brothers Joel and Scott and their parents Bryce and Maree – and the wider football community grieving.
For Adam, that’s where the HBF Run For A Reason and the challenge of a half-marathon began.
The former West Coast Eagles player has set a fundraising goal of $10,000 supporting zero2hero, a charity committed to educating and empowering young people to become mental health leaders and help prevent youth suicide in Western Australia.
“Troy and I loved running together growing up ... they were some of our real happy memories,” Adam said.
“I’ve been able to put the runners back on and been able to connect with him each day by just being out doing something he loved, and we loved doing together.
“He had this will and determination that whenever we went for runs, we’d be running together, but then in that last kilometre or two he would push ahead a bit just to let me know who the older brother was.”
Adam said he felt lucky he got to spend 40 years on Earth with his twin, who he described as his best mate.
Troy Selwood in 2006 during one of his 75 games for the Lions.Credit: Getty Images
“Not only were there great times but also moments where you needed that counsel and support,” he said.
“You’d be in the car, and you weren’t selected for the West Coast Eagles, and you’re the emergency for the seventh time, and you’re frustrated. He’d be the first person you’d call.
“We had that connection where we just needed to hear each other’s voice, wisdom and experience.”
But under the surface, Troy had been fighting a decades-long battle.
“He’d been working through his mental health for probably two decades at least and recognised relatively early on in his AFL career that he needed support,” Adam said.
“He left no stone unturned, there were things and reasons and challenges why his life was cut short, and I guess for myself and family that’s a lot for us to process.”
Last year, the twins celebrated their 40th birthday in Bali, surfing, eating good food and catching up with mates after spending so much time apart due to their football careers. It’s a year full of memories that Adam treasures.
“He was meant to get to 40, we were meant to have another Christmas together and that’s something those last 12 months that I’ll really hold on to,” Adam said.
Adam said he worried the day would come where his brother would no longer be by his side.
“Troy was very proud with the way as he was getting older, he consistently spoke up in times of real need and what type of care and support was required. As someone who was there and supporting him on that journey we were worried,” he said.
Adam recalled the moment he received the early morning phone call from younger brother Joel Selwood that Troy had died.
“We were asleep over here in Perth and to know that Joel was calling at that time you sort of knew something was wrong,” Adam said.
But nothing could prepare Adam for grieving in the spotlight.
“The pain is same as for anyone who loses a sibling, a son or a daughter in a similar way, but the publicity has been incredibly intense,” he said.
“I know through his passing that he’s already saved the lives of many that probably during that period needed to speak up to get the care they required.
“To know that has occurred warms my heart, and it does provide me with the strength to keep moving through.”
The HBF Run for a Reason will be held on Sunday, May 25.
Zero2hero is a WA charity aimed at educating, engaging and empowering young minds to prevent suicide.
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Support is available from MensLine on 1300 78 99 78
9News Perth
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