Our thanks to Pete!

Pete Barton - Contact Tri Series Wellington

Pete, along with a team of family and friends, took part in the 2009 Contact Tri Series Wellington to raise funds for depression awareness and the Mental Health Foundation.

The Tri Series is an Olympic distance event which includes a 1500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run. Pete says of his motivation for taking on this momentous challenge:

"Earlier this year my partner Jules sadly lost her brother Jim to depression. Jim took his own life after living with depression for a number of years. This tragic event was just so unexpected and impacted on the family significantly.

"Jim's death and my work volunteering with Wellington Free Ambulance has made me aware of just how big an issue depression and mental illness is within New Zealand and prompted me to take action."

Pete raised over $4,500 for Mental Health Foundation through the Tri Series, a Charity Movie Night and a community picnic in Wellington's Waitangi Park.