"People need to talk and know they're not alone."
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If Brock Mendyk could share any message to the community ahead of an upcoming suicide prevention fundraiser at Anytime Fitness Green Hills that would be it.
The 25-year-old gym member has been through a devastating 18 months.
"In December 2017 I lost my dad to suicide," he said. "It was very unexpected, no one knew it was coming."
Five months after his father Peter's death, Brock's 19-year-old sister Chelsey also died by suicide.
It was another sudden shock for Brock, his mother and brothers.
"It left us in a very dark spot," he said. "Since then I obviously took it pretty hard and realised I couldn't keep going that way."
Armed with the support of close friends, he began to see there was hope.
"Me and a couple of my mates who helped me get through all that decided to make a clothing company called AFTRMTH.
"It is something we've always wanted to do.
"Now [through the company] we're trying to show people that, after my personal circumstances, even after stuff is done, there is still light at the end of the tunnel."
This is third year Anytime Fitness Green Hills has hosted a Tread as One 24-hour treadmill challenge in support of suicide prevention.
This year, R U OK? Day is supporting the event.
During the fundraiser, participants take turns walking on the gym's treadmills.
There is at least one person walking at any point during the 24-hour window.
Brock is hoping AFTRMTH will make a difference in the lives of people suffering with mental illness.
"We're trying to inspire people and show them that even though terrible stuff can happen, it's not the end, you can still rise from it," he said.
"It's very personal for me because of what I've been though.
"With my dad for example, and how unexpected it was - he was going through something nobody knew about as he was just happy 24/7. But inside, he wasn't. So if we can promote this to help people and if I can help one person speak up to help minimise [what they're going through] that's my job done."
His plea to those struggling with mental illness is to talk with someone.
"The more support the better and if you are going through something, it's okay to talk about it," he said.
"You've just got to speak up, there's always a way. I hope I can personally talk to someone and try to change things around if they're going through something bad."
Those who want to support the cause, regardless of whether they are gym members or not, can visit Anytime Green Hills during the treadmill challenge - between 3pm May 31 and 3pm June 1.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Men's Helpline: 1300 789 978