Daniel Fitzgerald rides 3000km from Esperance to Omeo for Black Dog Institute

Tragic events pushed Omeo’s Daniel Fitzgerald into a dark place. Now he’s cycling across three states for suicide prevention.

Daniel Fitzgerald is riding from Esperance, WA, to Omeo raising money for the Black Dog Institute.

Daniel Fitzgerald is pedalling to beat the Black Dog that has tracked him for 18 years.

The 37-year-old, who grew up on a farm in Victoria’s high country, is riding 3000km in three weeks from Esperance, Western Australia, to Omeo to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.

Daniel Fitzgerald's Wheelin to the Mountains charity ride from Esperance, WA, to Omeo, is raising money for the Black Dog Institute.

Daniel’s inspiration stems from a series of tragic events that changed his life forever, including the loss of a mate, Whelan, who committed suicide in 2019.

“It was while attending the funeral watching loved ones share stories of his life that made me realise the ripple effect that suicide has and that I needed to get on top of my issues,” Daniel said, admitting he was a long-time sufferer unaware of how bad his own mental health was.

“Eighteen years ago I was involved in a car crash that resulted in the death of my great mate Tim who was basically a brother. I didn’t deal with his passing at the time and shut my feelings away.

“The demons that have haunted me since that day became what I thought was normal life. A few years ago, the demons knocked me down into a deep dark hole that I couldn’t climb out of.”

Daniel reached out to family and friends for help and on his road to recovery used a therapy called Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, created for PTSD sufferers.

“It worked for me and absolutely changed my life,” Daniel said.

To show the positive change in his life, in memory of Whelan, and to raise awareness and money for the Black Dog Institute, Daniel is cycling across three states as part of his Wheelin to the Mountains charity ride. It has raised more than $23,000.

“I’m hoping this ride can also inspire those who have challenging situations going on in their life, to reach out and seek help,” Daniel said.

“There is so much support around and so many different therapies that may help. Talk to your friends, families, neighbours, anyone and get help and know that you aren’t alone.”

Daniel Fitzgerald with support crew Jamie and Izzy Symons on the Nullarbor Straight as part of Daniel’s Wheelin to the Mountains charity ride from Esperance, WA, to Omeo raising money for the Black Dog Institute.

A Facebook group, Wheelin to the mountains, is tracking Daniel’s progress on the ride and includes some lighthearted posts with support crew.

“What’s hurting the most? My backside. I’ve had chafe like I’ve never had chafe before,” Daniel said, laughing.

“There are no regrets. Mentally I’m really good and physically pretty good too. A couple of little niggles but nothing serious. I’m loving it.”

Daniel is due to ride into Omeo on Saturday, October 1.