It’s too early to see the evidence yet but Vodafone Warriors back rower Jack Murchie is growing out his hair to support the Black Dog Institute's Mullets for Mental Health cause in Australia next month.
The 23-year-old has linked up with some friends from his hometown of Gerringong in the South Coast region of New South Wales to support a cause which has had a profound effect on them and their community.
"It's a really good cause going on with some of mates down in Gerringong," said Murchie, who joined the Vodafone Warriors mid-season from Canberra.
"There's been a lot of suicides in the area recently and the whole town has come together to grow mullets to support the cause.
"People that I've known have taken their lives and I've also had suicide in my family, close relatives, in the last couple of years so it's something that's close to my heart and it's really important we get the awareness out.
"Everyone at the local footy club has come on board and so far we've raised somewhere between $60,000 and $70,000.
"If people would like to jump on to support it would be much appreciated."
Murchie said his hair’s not long enough just yet but he’ll have his mullet cut done at the start of September and will keep it for the whole of September.
For now, he invites all Vodafone Warriors members and fans to lend a hand by donating to his page https://www.teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/jackmurchie/mulletsformentalhealth
The Black Dog Institute says one in five people in Australia experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year.
“In Australia that’s around 5 million people. And roughly 60 per cent of these people won’t seek help,” says Black Dog.
Throughout September Mullets for Mental Health will be raising funds to show support for mental health research.
