A decade ago, Flagstone resident Jae Martin found himself at rock bottom.
Eviction notices, repossession threats, weight gain, and a deep struggle with depression left him feeling lost.
Now, ten years later, he is taking on a challenge to complete 10 million steps in 2025 to raise awareness for mental health and inspire resilience in others.
Mr Martin’s challenge requires him to walk an average of 27,400 steps per day which he said symbolises the commitment to showing up every day, even when it feels impossible.
“There are a lot of days when you wake up struggling with mental health, not feeling like doing anything, but you still have to show up,” Mr Martin said.
“That’s what this challenge represents.”
Having previously been a personal trainer and triathlete, Mr Martin’s life took a drastic turn when he lost everything within a year.
He gained 30 kilograms, moved back home with his parents, and fought through years of rebuilding his financial, emotional, and mental well-being.
In 2024, he rediscovered the impact of physical activity on his mental health and started running again.
This journey led to the formation of the Flagstone Run Club, where locals have joined him in his mission to promote movement for mental well-being.
He hopes his efforts will encourage others to take up their own challenges, no matter how small.
“I think the lesson I’d like to share is that just walking is enough,” he said.
“People think they need to do extreme workouts, but just moving forward, one step at a time, is what matters.”
As part of his 10-million-step journey, Mr Martin is also training for his first marathon in July.
He documents his daily progress on social media, sharing his experiences, the highs and the lows, to highlight the realities of mental health struggles.
His transparency has resonated with many, and his social media platforms have become a place for open discussions about mental health.
Through this challenge, Mr Martin is raising funds for Beyond Blue, an Australian organisation dedicated to supporting mental health.
Donations directly contribute to mental health programs and initiatives.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that resilience comes from doing things even when you don’t want to,” he said.
“Some nights, I have 20,000 steps left at 6 pm, but I get out there and do it because I committed to this.”
His message to those struggling with mental health is simple: start small.
“You don’t need to tackle the world all at once. Set a small goal and commit to it,” he said.
“If that’s 5,000 steps, great. If it’s just getting out of bed and taking a walk around the block, that’s a win.”
For those interested in following his journey or contributing to the cause, donations can be made through his fundraising page for Beyond Blue.
