Charity Challenge in honour of Tyler Simpson
On Saturday 13th April, Parramatta FC goalkeeper Simon Jaeger, with his Sutherland Shire based fitness group, Wolf Pack Fitness, held a charity fitness session raising funding and awareness for the Inspire Foundation in honour of ex-Blacktown City teammate Tyler Simpson.
In May 2011 Simpson tragically lost his life at the age of 25.
"Tyler was an absolute legend – a great football player, and the funniest person you could ever want sitting next to you in the change rooms at Blacktown City FC." Mr Jaeger recalls.
"I was lucky enough to own the spot next to “Big T”, which meant that there was never a dull moment. It meant that before, during and after training sessions and match days, I was constantly peppered with hilarious stories, jokes and movie quotes, with him always finding a way to put a smile on my face.
“It also meant that the day I heard the news from one of my team mates ‘Tyler died today, man’, there was always going to be an empty seat next to me for the rest of my time at Blacktown and a much quieter change room."
Since Tyler’s death, Mr Jaeger made it his mission to learn more about Mental Illness, and Saturday’s event was his way of trying to help towards the improvement of Mental Health in Australia.
“Saturday was brilliant. Not only did we raise funding for ‘The Inspire Foundation’, whose aim it is to help young people to lead happier lives, but we managed to raise awareness of the prevalence of Mental Illness in our society. On top of that we exposed people to one of the key strategies in helping to improve your mental health- exercise!”
Mr Jaeger also mentioned how important the day was for the much of the football community, giving them the chance to do something positive in the name of a good friend.
"The event couldn’t have gone ahead without the help and support of many friends in the football community, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for participating. A special mention must go to Kain Rastall from Blacktown City, and Peter Duncan from Sutherland Sharks- thanks so much guys!"
The Wolf Pack Fitness Charity Sandhills Session raised $3364 for the Inspire Foundation, and its Mr Jaeger’s hope that this event becomes an annual occurrence and continues to grow.
If you are experiencing depression or anxiety you can seek help from the following services:
Black Dog Institute – 9382 4530 – www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
Lifeline – 13 11 14 – www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue – 1300 2246 36 – www.beyondblue.org.au/
