My Updates
My name is Daniel Fitzgerald and I want to share my story.
Thursday 26th May
I'm a long time sufferer and didn't realise how bad i was until a mate from Omeo, Whelan, tragically committed suicide in 2019.
My mate Jimmy and his wife Hannah, flew me over to be with them during this tough time and to attend Whelan's funeral.
It was while attending the funeral watching loved ones share stories of his life that made me realise the ripple effect that suicide has.
18 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. Four years went by when cracks started to surface.
The demons that have haunted me since that day, became to 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.
After certain events that landed me in hospital, i had to reach out and seek the help i required.
Among other steps, my sister found me a therapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) which was created for PTSD sufferers.
It worked for me and absolutely changed my life.
To show the positive change in my life, in memory of Whelan and to raise awareness & money for the Black Dog foundation, followed by my support crew led by Jamie Symonds,
i'm cycling from Esperance, Western Australia to Omeo, Victoria.
Its almost 3,000kms and will take 3 weeks to complete.
The support from various businesses has been incredible and i thank you all so much.
I'm hoping this ride can also inspire those who have challenging situations going on in their life, to reach out and seek help.
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 arent alone.
Thanks to my wife sarah and my 3 kids for the support through my training and always.
Special thanks to everyone who has contributed to this event in any way and the support of me getting better.
I embrace this challenge, the biggest of my life and look forward to seeing many of you at the finish, which is the Golden Age Hotel in Omeo on October 1st, 2022.
ShareThank you to my Sponsors
$500
R Fitzgerald
$500
Denise & Albert Ahsam
$500
Mooney Stephen Matthew
$210
Bruce And Kate Commins
Well Done
$105
High Country Cwa
Great Effort
$1.3k
Tyler Koelewyn Cool Cut Earthworks
$1.5k
Alpine Maintenance Pty Ltd
$950
Omeo Benambra Football Netball Club
$850
Round Hill Ah Sam Family
$52.50
Rhiannon Connley
Thank you for all your hard work and support Daniel, I know my dad would be proud.
$210
Ronda /graham Symons
Well done Danny. So proud of your efforts.
$52.50
David Smyth
$210
I J J J Richards
Congrats buddy what a great cause.
$1.99k
Town Folk Donations On Saturday!
Donations from Saturday Day/Night
$210
Kim, Jo & Olivia Glass
CONGRATULATIONS DANNY, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU - WHAT A WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT!!! ALL OUR LOVE AND CONGRATS KIM, JO & OLIVIA
$50
Melissa Sanghavi
Well Fitz, you are a true legend and deserve all of the praise and admiration you are receiving. Congratulations on raising such incredible awareness for mental health! Love from the Sanghavi’s x
$20
Tammy Murray
This gets you over $36,000
$20
Russ & Kristy Baldwin
Champion effort 🥳👏👏👏
$21
Fiona Symmons
Amazing effort, for such an great cause ...Fiona ( Marty Smith's sister)
$105
Michaela & Simon Hughes
An incredible effort and tribute that has touched the hearts of so many far and wide that have felt the impact of loss and depression. Well done on being incredibly brave and paving the way for more conversations and awareness. To be able to watch your inspirational journey and see the amazing love & support come together for you all at the end was just beautiful!
$105
Bianca Pooley
$105
Janet & Murray Toland
Well done Danny & all the crew, it was a pleasure watching you from the beginning to our home town of Omeo, I think of Tim & wheaten often and I am so glad you have allowed us to follow your journey, Janet
$52.50
Sharon And Jason Boston
Absolutely amazing job. So many people proud of you. We lost an amazing friend 5 years ago. He will never be forgotten.
$26.25
Daniel O’connell
You brought a few tears to my eyes mate. Amazing
$30
Heidi & Greg Heath
What a fantastic achievement and amazing fundraiser for a worthy cause. Wheelan would be so proud of you. A life taken way to soon. 💙
$105
Doug & Gill Liston
Congratulations Daniel have enjoyed watching your journey with your support crew
$52.50
Emma Sears
$52.50
Jo Nickson
Amazing effort!
$100
Bec Sheean
Bloody awesome job mate
$52.50
Patto & D
You are a legend, so proud, H would of been ecstatic.
$52.50
Elizabeth Teague
fantastic work
$52.50
Helen Jolley
Huge Effort Danny, well done👏👏👏
$67.20
Rach Wagstaff
You have to make it to $35k before the finish line! This should do it💪. Congratulations
$52.50
Michelle O’connell
Amazing efforts. Well done.
$52.50
Sally
What an absolute amazing thing to do. Well done to you all
$210
Rosemary Jelic
We are so proud of you and this incredible achievement!! Keep on wheelin’ - We love you so much! Love aunty Ro and Uncle Andrew
$52.50
Narelle Davies
$200
Anyalai-lamb Family
Well done Danny. Sensational effort.
$21
Chris Slaney
Awesome effort for such a great course
$100
Shayne Simpson
Great work mate, inspirational stuff!
$500
Anonymous
Legend
$52.50
Faithfull
Well done. What an amazing effort. Should be proud of yourself.
$105
Lorraine And George
Well done Daniel
$210
Rodney Gilmore
Well done Daniel👌👍🍺
$105
Stew, Sharna, Lucas & Grace
Inspirational effort Fitzy! Almost there… keep on Wheelin!
$105
Jill And Toby Hill
$210
Pippa’s Bakehouse
Such an amazing thing amazing thing to do! Nearly there keep wheelin
$315
Martin & Judy
Well done. We’ve loved watching your progress.
$31.50
Tori
Loved watching your journey Fitzy!! Unreal 👏🏽
$52.50
Tara & Andrew Thomson
Danny such an incredible feat! You are amazing, and have loved watching your journey.
$315
Duncan Fitzgerald
$52.50
Todd Mead
Amazing cause. Huge effort. Love your work Fitzy.
$50
Craig & Fiona Sheean
Good work Fitzy! Awesome what you’ve achieved.
$52.50
Davies Family
Amazing effort, keep on wheelin!!
$1.02k
Omeo Rodeo Association
The Omeo Rodeo Association congratulate you on the wonderful job you are doing in raising awareness of mental health issues. We, too all miss Whelan very much.
$1.07k
Nada Kozic
Congratulations Danny on a fantastic ride from WA TO OMEO VICTORIA
$78.75
Rach Wagstaff
What an amazing effort and a meaningful tribute to a mate. Squash that black dog!
$52.50
Tammy Kelly & Family
Fantastic effort, great cause - thank you for keeping this cause and Whelan's memory alive. Miss you Whelan.
$52.50
Jessie Symons
So bloody proud of you. Lets get Wheelin see you tomorrow 💙
$52.50
Daryl And Liz Sheean
Great job thanks Daryl and Liz Sheean
$350
D'arcy Grace And Alec Fitzgerald
$52.50
Hesther Kilpatrick
$52.50
Nona-louise Mckinnon
$210
Tania Maxwell
Great work Danny, we need more people like you who commit to making a difference and shine a light on this insidious disease. Mental health is so debilitating and it can be hard for people to understand the impacts. All the best and safe Wheelin.....
$500
Gary Peterson
Good on you mate
$20
Jenny Symons
Welldone Daniel and all your support team on what you've achieved so far, see you all at the finish line Let's get Wheelin 🤩
$300
Kel Crisp
Well done Danny, shinning a light on an important subject. In memory of Whelan, a childhood mate. Amazing effort by you and your crew.
$30
Daniel O’connell
Great effort mate, you’re a champion
$210
Jenna Moore
You are phenomenal!!!!!
$105
Mick & Loz Cole
What an absolute superstar you are Fitzy!! Keep on wheelin mate! We can’t wait to see you at the finish line.
$21
Yvonne Rooney
Well done Daniel your achievement is inspirational
$100
Helen Cribb
$112.35
T J
Massive effort mate. Your grit, determination and fortitude is inspirational. Thanks for being a shining light, you’ve lifted my spirits today…. and the bike ride across Australia is impressive too
$52.50
Robyn Sandy
Congratulations, Danny and team. You’re nearly there! Brilliant work!
$50
Dianne Bowtell
Great cause Danny, Gary and I are very proud of you 👍 👏
$210
Bukovsan Family
Tremendous effort for a great cause!
$1.02k
Anonymous
Good Job mate. Whelan was a great bloke
$105
Sarah & Wayne Trinder
$105
Ann Bryant
Unbelievable effort Dani a true Aussie inspiration & legend. All so proud of you 👏
$52.50
Margie & Shane Tobin
Fantastic effort Daniel!!
$105
Peter Matthews
Great work mate, see you Saturday
$565
Mat Ellam Family
You little beauty, keep it up mate. Riding strong for a wonderful cause. You’re a absolute superstar. Sorry we can’t there to support you in person, but know that we’re always thinking of ya from over the ditch. Massive love xxxx
$105
Todd & Kyllie Gilmour
You should be so proud of your efforts! Keep on wheelin’
$262.50
Dan & Steph Connley
Awesome job fitzy! Keep on pedalling mate.
$105
Luke & Anita Dyer
An inspiration. You should be enormously proud of raising awareness for such a worthy cause, not to mention the mental and physical feat of the ride itself.
$52.50
Alison Baker
I know the physical and mental toll a challenge such as this can have on the mind and body. Not just during the even, but afterwards. So please please be there for each other in the months to come. Xx
$100
Anonymous
$52.50
Kieran Carson
Go brother well done Kieran
$105
Georgia Carruthers
Incredible commitment Danny and team. Love watching videos.
$100
Carol Johnson
Fitzy, you are an inspiration to so many! Keep on Wheelan and we’ll see you in Omeo.
$52.50
Anonymous
$52.50
David Murray
Great effort Daniel. David & Lois
$315
Kelvin& Jackie
Well done Danny to you and your amazing team.
$515
Al Gabb
$52.50
Faye Giannini ( Ward )
$105
Leonie Brady
Great effort. Well done.
$50
Dave Rudd
Secretly heading over for a coaching interview I’ve heard - good luck!!
$515
Lawlor Family
Goes to show what true friendship is all about. Terrific effort from you Danny and all your wonderful support crew! X
$52.50
Mr Ben Le Feuvre
Great work mate well done!! Fantastic cause and amazing effort by yourself and team! GO THE BOMBERS!!
$210
Tim Liston
Super effort. You should be immensely proud. Well Done to yourself and entire crew. What a worthy cause.
$52.50
Brendan Lampkin
$105
Anonymous
$31.50
Claire Bingham-sims
Inspirational Daniel 👏🏻 You are doing us all proud. Mental health is always a hard subject to talk about, and sharing your story is hard but necessary for others to know to seek help when they need it. Keep up the great work!
$210
David Goodwin
Good on you Daniel!
$21
Griffiths
$210
Hill/nourse
$21
Bill Kozic
Great job Daniel, mental health is a real issue
$525
Dianne Clive Anderson
$21
Margi B And Zacbradley555 (insta And Youtube)
Well Done !!! We are away in Canberra currently but you’ll be riding past our home in Harrietville and we wanted to cheer you on in spirit !!!! Best wishes for the climb to Hotham WHAT an amazing journey - you’re winning already - simply by having embarked on this mammoth trip and all the money you e raised - congrats !!! A huge achievement - keep up the great work !
$26.25
Kylie Baird
$1.02k
Ter
Your doing an amazing job mate wheels would be so humbled ❤️
$105
Jenny Wilcox
$21
Melza
Great work Fitzy, so proud of you and think this is just simply amazing. I am inspired and just simply in awe. Love Melza (Melanie Read (nee Tregenza)
$52.50
Brooke Gatt
A bit late to the donation party, but cheering you on one Facebook post at a time. Incredible effort and achievement!
$105
Denise Spencer
Well done Daniel. Thank you for having a heart for Mental Health. And putting your heart into doing this bike ride. God Bless you.
$52.50
Brendan, Kel And Kiddies
Keep up the great work mate, absolutely inspiring stuff!
$105
Nic & Jono X
Such a good effort - well done!!!!
$350
Louis Schwab Rural Contracting
Good job Daniel Keep Wheelin 👍🏼
$105
Cassie, Jeremy And Riley
So amazing cuz and thanks for reminding us all that anything is possible xx You got this!
$105
David Mccoy
$21
Greg And Joanne Loft
Amazing effort Daniel we have family in Omeo and love it there.. Good Luck mate.. Love from Greg and Jo
$52.50
Noel & Kerry Rooney
Great work Danny& crew 😀👍
$42
Kirsty
Well Done You are a true inspiration. What you are doing is amazing you should be so proud. 😊
$52.50
Shirley Fitzgerald
This is from Sarah at work! You’re doing an awesome job
$50
Arlene & Don
So proud of you Fitzy. Your desire to help others through your efforts and great strength will inspire others to do the same. You are a leader ❤️
$105
Catherine Oldenburger
Hi Danny, great job and oh my you have gone way over your goal. Hopefully will be there on October 1st. Keep on wheelin.
$10.50
Michelle Ryan
I'm so glad to hear you have found what is working for you. Mad respect to you for sharing your story and taking on this journey to raise awareness to others, especially males who often suffer in silence . Good luck 👍
$515
Joe Lundy
Great job uncle fitz keep your chin up, and we know you'll smash it out. From Phill, Jess, Michelle and uncle asshole.
$50
M Liston
$105
Murray Dore
Well Done Daniel.Good Luck.
$52.50
Felicity Wozniuk
Keep Wheelin Danny. Proud of ya.
$52.50
Katrina Bush
Keep on Wheeling!
$21
Paula Wise
$565
Nada Kozic
Keep going strong, Danny your doing a great job and your support team are a legend
$515
Grinters Transport
So proud of what you are doing Danny and Crew! Keep wheelin! See you at the end 😊👍
$31.50
Sarahcare - Community Nursing Done Differently
You are an inspiration to all Daniel, good luck & congratulations on making the journey & raising such important awareness. Go well & be proud 💪
$105
Anonymous
Love your work, doing a great job, proud of your strength and determination.
$105
Kristie Murden
Met you at the Penong General Store today. after I cried into my scrambled eggs 🤣 Suicide is too close to too many people in this country. Thank you & your team for doing your bit ✌🏻
$105
Shellena Johnson
You are doing amazing Just keep Wheelin 🚲
$300
Plowman Family
$105
Anonymous
Truly Inspirational 👏 🚴
$52.50
Graham Gardiner
Wonderful work you guys are doing, love seeing your feeds, keep safe and keep having fun. Great team effort.
$262.50
Ah Sam Family Omeo
We are enjoying watching your journey & the funnies, you are truely inspiring, Chrz Trace, Bren & Co xxx
$1,000
Nada
Great going Danny. Be safe and takecare
$21
Lindy Betts
"LET'S GET WHEELINNNN"
$21
Rebecca Singh
Keep up your amazing efforts well done.
$52.50
Josie Anderson
Well done Daniel keep up the awesome effort
$21
Caz Richards
Great cause and great effort so far! I have no doubt you can make it to that finish line 😁👍
$52.50
Peter Binns
Well done
$670
Carrolls Kelpies
That gets you over the $15,000 hurdle buddy, love what you guys are doing you make me so proud, keep Wheelin! Go Fitzy
$21
Rod Faithfull
$105
Sandra Dalton
Your doing and awesome job for a great cause!
$52.50
Shannon Repard
You're doing amazing! We are all watching on, so proud of you and everything you stand for. xx
$105
Stef Suckling
You’re amazing and doing this for such a good cause. Looking forward to following your journey and hopefully catch up for a beer soon x
$50
Sean And Kelly Ryan
Go you little legend
$100
Tammy Murray
Keep up the good work little brother! We are so proud of you!! Love you to the moon and back!xxxxxxx
$210
Rebecca Jelic
Beyond proud of you cuzzy! Never give up and never forget how loved you are! Xx
$52.50
Wendy Yarram
May the wind always be behind you on this one. Ride safely, an amazing tribute to Whelan
$210
John And Sharon
Go Danny! Safe travels. Love John and Sharon x
$157.50
The Olde Country Kitchen
$21
Phil & Kerry Geehman
Good on you Daniel 👍
$52.50
Dave Scriven
Get wheelin Danny Fitz. Well done pal. Much love Scrivens
$52.50
Barb
Good luck , thinking of you on your big loooiog ride
$210
Lisa, Greg, Danny & Erin Lee
Reach out to someone when you most need help. Good luck Daniel.
$52.50
Kerry & Kym Matthews
$515
Ben White
See you at the finish line mate.
$515
Coolcut Earthworks
Legend mate! Good luck with the ride, stay safe 🤘🏼
$100
Dott Ward
Sending good luck all the way from Scotland. From Dott (and the family). 🏴
$105
John Spencer
$21
Sam
$415
Roofus Tools Pty Ltd
Well done Dani! We are hugely proud of you and what you are doing. Big congratulations and a medal for your courage is deserved.
$52.50
Shirley Fitzgerald
This was actually from Faye
$105
Jess And Mark Evans
Fitzy we are so proud of you!!! Well done mate xoxo
$150
Marcus Hill
$50
Sue Centra
What a lovely tribute to Whelan and others that suffer in silence. It’s a credit to you.
$105
Stacey Arnold
Onya Fitzy, a top effort for a worthy cause close to so many people’s hearts. You are truly awesome!.
$315
David Paech
$250
Neil Armstrong
$500
Milan Klauz
Good luck Danny, you are INCREDIBLE and doing an AMAZING thing. We are cheering you on! Uncle Milan and Aunty Sue
$105
Susan Sainsbury
Good luck great cause stay safe
$105
Leah Griffiths
You got this Danny!
$157.50
Trish, Jason And Ted
Well done Danny and good luck.
$105
Graham Snape
Best of luck legend !!
$50
Anonymous
$52.50
Bernadette Smith
All The Best.. Glad its you riding all that way & not me!!!!!!
$105
Perry Anthony
$105
Carl Napier
All the best on your journey Daniel. Stay safe and strong, all the best with your endeavours. Absolute champion.
$105
Gary Hunt
Amazing what you're doing mate, Good luck on the ride.
$50
Andy Crommelin
$105
Kim And Maree White
All the best Danny
$315
Maria And Neil Mcphail
We're with you in spirit Danny. Good luck. Maria and Neil
$31.50
Lee Glass
All the best dan such a great cause so proud of you lee and Ian glass xx
$100
Sharlee & Tim Cavill
Good on you Danny
$50
Adam P
Nice 1 Fitz! All the best for the trip!
$31.50
Claire Sandy
Incredible! All the best
$210
Daniel & Bobbie
Good luck Danny. Awesome effort mate, we are proud of you and can't wait to see your adventure unfold. love ya!
$200
Damien Piro
$243.60
David Kerr
Great fund raiser. We thank you for your tremendous contribution.
$52.50
Levina (faithfull) Cridge
What an inspiration you are Danny! Hope the ride goes well! Although I don’t know you personally, I grew up with your mum and dad, who I’m sure are very proud of what a wonderful young man you have become. Take care and I’ll try and catch you when you hit Yarrawonga xo
$105
Shannon Jeffers
Smash it 🤩 very proud of you x
$100
Helen And Mark Kent
You are an inspiration Danny! Good luck with your ride. Wishing you safe travels. Our thoughts will be with you the whole way xxx Mark and Helen
$515
Abe Woolfrey
Wish you well on your Journey Legend!
$31.50
Dee Crosby
A great interview on ABC Gippsland this morning inspired me to donate. Such an emotional story and a great cause. Go Daniel.
$105
Corryn Mair
Thankyou for sharing your experience. Providing advice, support and wanting to help, even those you have never met.
$52.50
Molly Lawlor
$200
Fred Durst
Keep on Rollin' baby Love zak, Kelly, Rory & talla
$105
Brian Smith
Good luck Danny give it your best shot mate .Brian and Maree Smith
$21
Shirley Fitzgerald
$105
Gus & Sandra Crisp
Have a safe trip Danny
$52.50
Dani Mant
$262.50
My Better Life
We at My Better Life are thrilled to support you in this incredible journey. All the best Daniel.
$105
Susan, Xavier & Ellen Hill
Good luck with then journey Danny!! we will see you in Omeo xx
$52.50
Renee & Nick Taylor
Best of luck for your journey. Thank you for sharing your story and helping creating awareness for others.
$105
Anonymous
Bloody great work Fitz man.
$105
Nathan White
$52.50
Sandy Blease
What a fantastic way to promote and raise money for mental health Danny. Your an amazing man. Good luck and blessings on your journey. Sandy
$210
John Fitzgerald
Very proud of you Danny Great way of helping others in there time of need. Looking forward to supporting you along the way. See you at Berri. I will have a tow rope ready to pull you up the Meg. Lol. Love Dad.
$31.50
Clare & Tyron Marshall
Well done Danny and family. Great cause and thanks for sharing your story to help others xx
$50
Ryan, Nicola, Eli & Kira Kau
On ya Fitz, much respect from us all. Get er done mate.
$52.50
Chris Vella
Just a fantastic thing you’re doing mate. Keep pushing
$105
Ryan Goddard
Fitzy Side by side to fight the fight. Your a legend Googs
$500
Rick, Manda, Phoebe, Zoe & Zac Crisp
You Danny are amazing, selfless and truly inspiring! We’re so lucky to call you family and we’re behind you all the way xx
$52.50
Penne Richards
Congratulations Danny, you are doing such an amazing ride and for a great cause.
$52.50
Natalie & Aaron
Amazing effort Fitzy!
$210
Russ Foster
Awesome mate. Top effort. 👍👍👍😊
$20
Jeanette Clancy
I know what it feels like to go through tough times. I think what you are doing is amazing and I admire you
$150
Wiggs Enterprises Pty Ltd
Safe journey Fitzy! Keep pushing! Love the Wiggers
$105
Brendan White
Top work Fitzy!
$342
Richard Price
Thanks mate! Go hard.
$21
Louise
A worthy cause to fundraiser for. Thank you!
$105
Annie Klauz
I’m proud of you Brutha! ❤️
$300
Hannah Klauz
You're incredible Danny! Good luck! Have fun! You've got this.
$31.50
Anonymous
Well done on your awesome work Daniel, all the best for your big ride!
$220
Kyla White
$52.50
Renee Rossi
$105
The Olynyk’s
Very proud of you Danny! Such an amazing cause you’re committing to. We’re supporting you all the way x
$21
Philly Da Muss
This is great mate, I love what you are doing!!!
$105
Havin
$31.50
Janis Ellam
$105
Anonymous
$1,000
Cassilis Constructions Pty Ltd
Well done mate for showing the courage to share your story 🙏
$21
Misty Mcphail
All the best, Danny!
$105
Kristie Van Beem
$105
Robert Wood
$105
The Battens
Good on ya Fitzy. Great intro video mate.
$105
Kelly Claridge
What a adventure this is going to be daniel,and for a great cause !!!
$210
Megan And Brian Ellam
Goodluck!!
$105
Rob Jeffers
$105
Omeo Motel
Well Done Daniels Safe Travels
$105
Daniel Yeap
$105
Shane Fitzgerald
$31.50
Melinda Ransom
Great cause! More needs to be done.
$105
Nada Kozic
All the best for your journey. Love Nada ❤️
$50
Tammy Murray
Super super proud of you little brother! Best of luck on the ride, will be waiting to give you a huge hug at the finish line!
$52
Daniel Fitzgerald
$52
