Adam Lavelle

Proud of you and how you show up in the world

The One Foot Forward Campaign is built on the idea that sometimes the most important step is simply being there. Not fixing. Not advising. Not searching for the perfect words. Just showing someone they're seen. Over the past six months, I've been open with a few people about the significant health challenges I've faced. One message I received after a conversation has stayed with me ever since: "Thanks for today and everything you shared. Proud of you and how you show up in the world." That's it. No advice. No pity. No attempts to solve my problems. Just genuine acknowledgement. What surprised me was the impact those simple words had. They left me feeling lighter, stronger, and more energised. They reminded me that I wasn't defined by my struggles, but by the way I continued to move through them. Since then, I've shared that same message with two others who were going through difficult times. On both occasions, they told me it was exactly what they needed to hear. It made me realise something important. When people are struggling, we often put pressure on ourselves to find the right answer or the perfect thing to say. But support isn't always about having wisdom to offer. Sometimes it's about recognising someone's courage. It's about reminding them that despite what they're carrying, you still see their strength. A few genuine words can have a lasting impact. So as part of my One Foot Forward journey, I'm encouraging all of us to reach out to someone today. Not to fix them. Not to rescue them. Just to let them know they're seen. Because sometimes the most powerful message a person can receive is: "I'm proud of you and how you show up in the world." You never know how much someone might need to hear it. ❤️ Share

Wow, i am completely blown away.

The support I’ve received this year on my One Foot Forward journey has gone so far beyond my expectations. From the incredibly generous donations to the deeply moving messages of support, I want to say a massive thank you to every single one of you. Your kindness means more to me than words can say. Opening up publicly about my mental health challenges has been a vulnerable experience, and it has brought a couple of big themes to light. A lot of people have told me they had no idea I was struggling because I always put on a brave face. But the best way I can explain my progress this year is that I’m still the exact same bloke I’ve always been—it is just a lot easier for me to be that bloke every single day now. It takes so much less effort and energy just to be me. Sharing my story has also opened doors for others. Over the last week, six different people have reached out to me confidentially to thank me for speaking out. They explained that they aren't in a position to open up publicly right now, but it felt good to share their burden with someone who genuinely understands their challenges. Sadly, the general feeling among them was a mix of shame and a real concern that people would weaponise their mental health challenges against them. It is a reminder that we still have a long way to go as a society regarding the stigma attached to these issues. However, seeing the impact of breaking the silence has only fired me up. I have been so deeply energised and moved by the overwhelmingly positive response this year. Thank you for walking this path with me, for donating, and for helping create a world where no one has to hide behind a brave face. Let's keep moving forward! Share

Why i'm taking on the one foot forward 150km challenge

This October, I'm walking 150km as part of the One Foot Forward challenge to raise funds for Mental Health Research. The past year has been the most challenging of my life. At 45, I was diagnosed with seven mental health and mental health-related conditions. Having also supported 2 loved ones through their own challenges this year, I've seen firsthand the profound impact mental health matters can have on individuals, families and communities. But this journey has also shown me what's possible when you seek help, gain understanding, and commit to positive change. Just six months after my diagnosis, I've lost 20kg, returned to running, and for the first time in years am free from the chronic back, shoulder and knee pain that once affected my daily life. I have more energy, greater mental clarity, and the capacity to better manage my responsibilities, support others, and be truly present for the people who matter most. As a result, some of the most important relationships in my life have grown stronger than ever. Mental health is something that touches us all, either directly or through someone we love. That's why I'm taking on this challenge. Every kilometre is an opportunity to raise awareness, support life-changing research, and show that with the right support, recovery and growth are possible. If my story encourages just one person to reach out for help, start a conversation, or believe that things can get better, then every step will be worthwhile. Thank you for supporting me, supporting mental health research, and helping ensure that nobody has to walk this journey alone. One foot forward. One step at a time. Together, we can make a difference. Share