Launceston

Jamie

Walk Leader, Launceston

Hi, I'm Jamie, happily married, and a proud dad to three amazing daughters. My journey to becoming a walk leader is deeply personal, shaped by life experiences that have taught me the importance of resilience, community, and never giving up.

When I was 20, I worked as a mortuary attendant, a role that put me face-to-face with some of life's most difficult moments. On the night of September 17, 1993, my life changed forever when I was called to assist with the aftermath of a tragic plane crash. The experience of identifying the remains of six men was something I carried silently for years. At the time, emotional support wasn't offered to people like me, and I believed I had to push through on my own.

For decades, I bottled up the trauma, thinking it would fade, but it didn't. It affected my mental health, my family, and my ability to fully enjoy life. In April 2021, I finally reached a breaking point and realized I couldn't face it alone anymore. That realization saved me. With the love of my wife and daughters, I began to heal, and I now understand how vital it is to seek help and talk openly about our struggles.

Today, I'm passionate about being there for others. I hope blokes will find Walk for a Bloke, a safe space where people can connect, reflect, and share their stories. If my journey has taught me anything, it's that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. I'm here to remind others that no matter how tough life gets, there's always hope, and I'm always ready to listen.