Tara J. Lal - Firefighter, mental health researcher, speaker and author of “Standing on my Brother's Shoulders”. Making Peace with Grief and Suicide. Cycling 5,000km across Australia.

<div> <div>Tara in her own words:</div> <div> </div> <div>“I don’t really think of myself as tough. I’ve always loved adventures. I did my first expedition when I was 18 and it ignited a passion. I am now a firefighter. I’ve represented Australia in my slightly crazy sport of surf boat rowing at the age of 47 and I cycled 5000 km’s unsupported across Australia in 2021, yet I often think that the toughest challenges of my life have not been physical. </div> <div> </div> <div>Rather it has been the journey to heal the relationship with myself after a traumatic childhood that has been the toughest challenge I have undertaken.</div> <div> </div> <div>Writing my book ‘Standing on my Brothers Shoulders – making peace with grief and suicide’ was a huge part of that journey. It challenged me in every way possible but was also one of my greatest teachers and proudest achievements. </div> <div> </div> <div>Although I am a physiotherapist and firefighter, my book led me to work in the field of mental health and wellbeing. I am now nearing the end of a PhD exploring the impact of suicide on firefighters.</div> <div> </div> <div>In 2017, I was a finalist in the Rotary Inspirational woman of the year awards and in January 2022, as part of the Australia Day Honours, I was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), which recognises distinguished service by an Australian Fire Service member for my work supporting suicide prevention and mental health of firefighters.</div> <div> </div> <div>I think life is an adventure and it can take many forms!”</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday at 7am UK time - Subscribe so you don’t miss out. </div> <div> </div> <div>Support the mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenges. Visit <a href= "http://www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast" target="_blank" rel= "noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.patreon.com/toughgirl