First responders in the spotlight at the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open Golf Tournament
Craig Whalan, a retired senior constable from NSW, is embarking on an extraordinary journey, tackling 14 Mountains in 14 Days across New South Wales to raise awareness and funds for PTSD support. This challenge, titled Climbing to Conquer PTSD, will take Craig from the Mid North Coast down to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Along the way, he’s inviting members of the public, fellow first responders, and veterans to join him, with an open invitation to help spark crucial conversations about PTSD.
Craig’s journey is deeply personal. Diagnosed with PTSD in 2010, his experience with the condition has been one of intense struggle and isolation. “In the final years of my career, I reached a breaking point,” Craig shared. “I attempted suicide and saw many of my mates go down that same dark path.” He openly recounts the toll PTSD took on his life: the breakdown of his first marriage, the impact on his three children, and the self-destructive patterns that followed.
Reflecting on his experiences, Craig describes PTSD as a condition that has brought both severe mental health challenges and lasting physical symptoms. “Every day, just getting up feels like I’ve already climbed a mountain in my mind before even starting the day,” he said. This feeling inspired him to take on a physical challenge to represent the internal battle PTSD creates. With guidance from his family and friends, Craig decided to channel his competitive spirit and love for the outdoors into this powerful cause.
For Craig, this climb represents more than just personal strength, it’s a way to “make PTSD his opponent” and turn his experiences into a source of strength for others. “If I have to live with PTSD, I’m going to do something positive with it,” he said. His goal is to raise awareness for like organisations, Fortem Australia who provide wellbeing support to first responders and their families.
Having faced the long-term effects of PTSD, Craig hopes to remind others of the importance of persistence in seeking help. In his journey to recovery, Craig visited nearly 20 different psychologists and psychiatrists before finding one who truly connected with him. “It took persistence and time, but eventually, I built a toolkit to help me live with PTSD. Stick at it, try new medical professionals, new treatments until you find what clicks with you. I think of it as ‘failing forward’ – every failure is getting you closer to finding what works and you are picking up a range tools along the way,” he advises others who may be struggling.
As he moves through each mountain, Craig hopes to create visibility for PTSD and to offer a symbol of hope. The first leg of his journey begins with a group climb in Port Macquarie, where he expects a turnout of 40 to 50 supporters, and the invitation remains open for anyone to join along the way. “Whether you’re a first responder, a family member, or simply someone who wants to show support, come along,” he encourages. “That small act of showing up can mean the world to someone struggling. Just knowing others understand and are there to support can be life-changing.”
Craig also expressed gratitude to the sponsors supporting his mission and for the chance to give back. “At the end of the day, if this helps even three people, that’s massive,” he says. “One life saved makes this all worth it.”
Donations can be made through Craig’s MyCause page, with proceeds going directly to Fortem Australia and Forge Through to fund essential support services for first responders and veterans.
Click here to donate (Climbing to conquer PTSD – 14 Mountains in 14 Days) – Every donation counts!
