A true privilege is knowing your photography has touched someone. A true honour is to know your photography has had a lasting effect on someone. My work with #veteranteam has given me both the privilege and honour of photographing amazing humans, in extraordinary times, using cycling to find their way back.
I have had the privilege to be part of the recovery journey for a number of our returned service personnel. I am fortunate to count them among my close friends and whether or not they realise, they have humbled me in letting me and my camera into their world and their lives.
I've been humbled to help spread the message of society needing to work to prevent veteran suicide, reduce the impact of PTSD and take the stigma out of mental health. We as a society need to do more and our government certainly needs to do MUCH more to support those that have served (be it military or emergency services) and now suffer.
Too many suffer alone. Too many feel isolated. Too many see no way out. Too many feel they are a burden. Too many feel they have let people down. We cannot let those who need help feel they are without help. We cannot let those who step forward fall back. we cannot sacrifice a part of our humanity because walking part of their journey may be hard.
I do know the smallest of efforts can often have lasting outcomes. I do know that sometimes just being there to listen and help shine a small light into a very dark place can mean something. I have seen cycling become a lighthouse for many in their darkness.
Some of the images I've had the fortune of taking I believe show that even in dark times, people are capable of tremendous strength, a capacity to endure and a unwaivering desire to support others.
I ask those that take the time to look at these photos see beyond the picture. I challenge everyone to do something every day for mental health. I challenge everyone to make, R U Ok an everyday question.
Consideration for others is the basic of a good life, a good society - Confucius
