Craig Arnold to climb ice cap in support of Black Dog Institute

IN HIS first adventure race, Craig Arnold's team dropped out on him two days into the 10-day race and he finished last.

But while the 2005 race through the Australian desert was incredibly tough, it became the starting point of many such adventures for the Dee Why resident.

He has since done several, including the Adventure Racing World Championships in Scotland in 2007.

The 30-year-old former gymnast is preparing for his toughest one yet  a 40-day expedition crossing the Patagonian ice cap in Southern Chile.

It will be the first time he has done a race for charity.

Mr Arnold will raise awareness and money for the Black Dog Institute after realising how common the issues of anxiety and depression are among young people.

Last year he started speaking to school students through the Young Men's Christian Association about his goals and how he achieved them.

``I realised that many young people didn't know how to cope with challenges,'' he said.

Mr Arnold spoke about the importance of having good relationships and of how exercise can help build up mental strength and resilience.

``Kids came up to me after and said `thank you so much, that really helped','' he said.

``It was a bit of a wake-up call knowing that you can make such a difference.''

He leaves on September 27, and hopes to raise $5000.



How to donate

Go to everydayhero.com.au/craig_arnold

THE STATISTICS

>Suicide is the leading cause of death among 14 to 25-year-olds in Australia.

>1 in 4 Australians live with a mental health issue.

 >Depression is estimated to be the No.1 disability in the developing world by 2030.