Thirty plumbers and electricians from Australia and New Zealand will be embarking on a 3,500km motorcyle ride from Melbourne to Cairns in a bid to raise money and awareness for mental health and the work around Beyond Blue.

Joining the Laser Group plumbers and electricians is four times Bathurst 1000 champion Steve Richards. All parties will have frequent breaks and stop at regional towns along the way with local Laser Plumbing and Electrical businesses putting together events to support the cause.

Laser Plumbing and Electrical managing director Steve Keil will leading the pack along the ride and is already known to be extremely passionate about the cause they’re raising money for.

“It’s predicted that over 45% of Australians will suffer from depression, anxiety or some other debilitating mental health issue in their lifetime. The stats also highlight that construction workers are more than twice as likely to suicide as other people in Australia. That’s our workplace and we’re not happy about the numbers, so we’re doing what we can to raise funds and awareness by supporting Beyond Blue,” says Steve.

Price Waterhouse Coopers and The National Rural Health Alliance conducted a study that found those working in construction were twice as likely to commit suicide compared to other Australians, while apprentices were two and a half times more likely.

For more information you can visit www.beyondblue.org.au or www.lasergroup.com.au.

If you’re going through a tough time and need someone to talk to, you can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 251 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.