When Danny McGill’s best mate passed away from mental health issues, he knew he had to do something positive.
Lucas Niven died in 2017 and Ocean Grove local Danny decided to part ways with his beard that was five years in the making.
According to the Black Dog Institute, 1 in 5 of us are expected to experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia that’s around 5 million people. And roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help.
Danny has already raised more than $12,500 by pledging to shave his ‘mug rug’ after initially setting out to raise $2500.
“By shaving my beard I’m creating a conversation between people,” he said.
“Reminding friends and family to check in on each other as, at some stage we’re all going to experience a tough time and it’s so important that we have a support network when we do.
“From my own experience I know that there is nothing worse than losing a friend and if I can play a small part in helping others to avoid this pain, I’m keen to do something.”
Danny will be live streaming the shaving of his beard to raise awareness for mental health, with the hope of helping to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. All funds will be donated to The Black Dog Institute.
Danny will perform the big shave today (September 24) at 5.30pm and it will be live streamed at instagram.com/dannymcgill/?hl=en
Donations are tax deductable and can be made at facebook.com/donate/141021904852685/4258252907589971/
