My Story

Hi, I’m Flynn, an 18-year-old guy from Perth, Western Australia

I’m someone who is drawn to conquering the biggest physical challenges I can dream up. I love putting myself completely outside my comfort zone, finding out what I’m capable of, and sharing those experiences with people who connect with them.

But this challenge came from somewhere much more personal.

A couple of years ago, I went through a period where I really struggled with my mental health. There were times when I couldn’t see a way forward, when I felt completely stuck, and when suicide felt like the only option.

What helped me through was learning that I didn’t have to carry everything on my own. My family, my friends and the people around me gave me a support network that I’m incredibly grateful for. I kept reminding myself that things could get better – one day, one step and one problem at a time.

That experience gave me a different perspective on what it means to keep going.

So, I decided to turn my pain into passion and put myself through one of the most extreme challenges I could imagine: 7 days stranded alone on a remote desert island, with zero survival experience to my name.

This challenge pushed me physically and mentally in ways I never expected. And in the moments where things have felt overwhelming, I’ve had to rely on many of the same things that helped me through difficult periods in my life — taking things one step at a time, getting thoughts out of my head rather than bottling them up, looking after my physical health, being intentional about what I allow into my head, and reminding myself that there is always more life ahead of me.

That’s ultimately what I want this series to be about.

Not pretending I have all the answers but sharing my experience honestly and hopefully reminding people that they’re not alone, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that even when you can’t see the way forward, there is still so much life left to experience.

I’m raising $10,000 for Beyond Blue because mental health is a cause incredibly close to my heart, and because I want this challenge to create something positive beyond my own experience.

$10,000 is an ambitious goal, and I’m genuinely grateful for every bit of support. Whether you donate $1, share the story, watch an episode or simply take a moment to think about mental health, it all helps spread the message.

Thank you for being part of it. How good.