Pushing for better: Taking on the Push‑Up Challenge Together

Each year, I try to set myself a challenge that ticks a few boxes – something that keeps me moving, pushes me outside my comfort zone, and supports a cause that really matters.

This year marks the fifth time I’ve taken on the Push‑Up Challenge, and once again it’s shaping up to be equal parts meaningful and motivational.

What makes this year a little different is that I’m not doing it alone. I’m sharing the challenge with my son, Hamish, which has added a new layer of motivation – and I expect a few extra laughs along the way.

What is the Push‑Up Challenge?

The Push‑Up Challenge is Australia’s largest mental health and fitness fundraiser. Each year, participants complete a set number of push‑ups over 24 days, with the total representing the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in the previous year.

3,307 push-ups over 24 days

Along the way, daily mental health facts are shared to help raise awareness and encourage conversation around wellbeing and support.

Participants can choose to fundraise for a mental health charity of their choice.

We’ve chosen Lifeline – a national charity providing Australians who are experiencing emotional distress access to 24-hour crisis support, suicide prevention, mental health, and domestic and family violence prevention services.

A challenge with a personal benefit

On a practical level, the Push‑Up Challenge has become an effective way for me to stay accountable to my fitness.

Like many people, it’s easy to let exercise slide when life and work get busy. Having a clear goal, a daily target, and a bit of friendly competition helps keep the routine going.

Doing the challenge alongside Hamish is a good reminder that staying active doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Sometimes it’s just about showing up each day, doing a little bit, and encouraging each other along the way.

Why share this story?

After recently marking 30 years in business, this felt like a natural follow‑on. Sharing something more personal that reflects the values we talk about often: staying balanced, looking after our health, and supporting the community around us.

Sharing this is also a gentle way to invite our community to be involved, if they wish. For anyone who would like to sponsor the challenge and help support Lifeline’s work, the fundraising link is: https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/Wallis-Smith125745

There’s absolutely no expectation – just an opportunity to contribute to an important cause while cheering us on along the way.