Former Gambler Cycles Australia to Honor war Graves, Share Story of Redemption
SYDNEY – Mic Whitty is cycling across Australia, visiting war graves and sharing a story of hitting rock bottom – and finding a path back through unexpected kindness and a poignant wartime diary. Once ashamed and homeless due to gambling debts,Whitty’s journey is a testament to inner strength and the power of human connection.
After losing everything to gambling,Whitty found himself sleeping rough in Wales. He recalls a notably dark period where a simple act of generosity – a cup of tea from the Salvation Army – resonated deeply. “You know how some people leave a bit of tea at the bottom of every cup? to this day, I drink all my tea,” he said.”And every time, I think just how lucky I am.”
Whitty’s descent began with a gambling addiction that spiralled into notable debt. He now tours war graves across almost 20 countries, a journey sparked by discovering a diary belonging to a World War I soldier. The diary, filled with accounts of hardship and resilience, profoundly impacted him. “We’re all a lot tougher than we think we would be when tested,” he reflected.
he is currently making his way around Australia, honouring the fallen and sharing his story of recovery. Whitty’s experiences are featured in the 20th Anniversary Collection of Conversations, available throughout August on the ABC listen app.