DRESSED in the most dapper fashion, Michael Melrose is set to take part in the Brisbane Distinguished Gentlemen’s ride on May 21 on his Triumph Truxton to raise funds and to create awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer.
The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride was founded in Sydney by Mark Hawwa and it is now an event that takes place all over the world.
The event is run to promote the message that “health matters”.
It attracts motorcycle enthusiasts and community members who wear their finest suits.
Michael, who lives in Rosewood, has already raised more than $3,600 for the cause.
He is an Auxiliary Fire Fighter at the Rosewood QFES and says that his inspiration is a personal one.
“Acknowledging men’s mental health and providing support to men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer is very important and I am passionate about spreading the message that they are not alone,” he said.
“Prostate cancer is the second biggest cancer-killer in men, with 1.4 million men worldwide passing away each year.
“My brother-in-law who was such a great mate lost his life to this cancer.
“I spent as much time as I could with him.
“He enjoyed motorbikes and we often rode together.
“He was a fantastic craftsman who enjoyed building wooden boats and we really shared a special bond.”
The testing times that loss of life brings was not only experienced by Michael through losing his brother in law, sadly he has also lost other family’s members due to suicide.
“My wife Lyn, lost a brother, a cousin and a partner to suicide and across the world, sadly, every minute, one man dies from suicide,” he said.
“Men do find it hard to open up at times and to talk about their feelings, and with the cost of food, fuel, bills and everyday living there are many contributing factors to poor mental health issues.
“Mental health services have become more readily accessible for emergency services personal and to veterans and the defence community.
“Men need to feel safe to talk about issues that they may be experiencing, and their stories need to be shared.
“This is why I participate in the Gentlemen’s Ride, to make men aware that there is support available.”
Michael will be dressed in a suit, tie and a vest. He is expected to draw quite a bit of attention after taking up a suggestion from his work colleagues that he dye his moustache, blue.
Blue is the colour nominated for men’s mental health, so Michael dyed his moustache and in return his colleagues contributed to his fundraising efforts.
