At 83, retired doctor Jon Phipps is using part of his daily exercise routine to raise money for mental health this month.

He’s signed up for the Push-Up Challenge, to do 2400 push ups in 24 days, and is hoping to get sponsorship from the local community.

“If people can put in one cent per push-up, we’ll raise a fair bit,” says Jon, who was a Kiama GP until three years ago.

The money will go to the Push For Better Foundation, which aims to engage and educate people in mental and physical health, and raise awareness of the mental health issues affecting everyday Australians. See below for details of how to donate via Kiama Lions.

Jon is well prepared for the challenge, having done push-ups each morning for 10 years.

“I aimed to be able to do 80 push-ups by my 80th, and now I am up to doing 120.”

The organisers of the challenge are the ones who wanted to keep it to 100 a day.

Due to arthritis in his wrists, he holds onto weights to keep his wrists straight. He then uses the weights to do other arm and leg exercises.

Jon has always been active, keen on long distance cycling and running. He says the push-up challenge is nothing compared to his bike ride up Cape York 20 years ago.

“I’d recommend exercise to everyone,” he says.

“I’m a big believer in use it or lose it.”

One of the other exercises Jon does each morning

This applies to exercising the mind too. On this front, Jon is writing his first book, a science fiction docu-novel on climate change and space travel.

“It is a message of hope for young people worried about climate change,” he says.

“Set in the future, it is about looking back to see what measures were successful in reversing climate change.”

Jon would appreciate any donations being made through the Kiama Lions Administration Account, with 'Push Up Jon' in the reference field:

BSB: 641800

A/c: 200391728