Running for Mental Health Awareness

Hello there! Welcome to my page :)

So you may be wondering why I'm planning to voluntarily put my body through a 21km half marathon and what could have possibly convinced me that this would be a good idea, but basically, this year I'm planning to raise money for mental health awareness  in support of Headspace which is a foundation aimed at providing mental health and wellbeing support to youths and teens.

Two years ago my family and I lost someone who we loved very dearly to something I believe could have been prevented. 

Mental health is something not all of us like to talk about and unfortunately, if we continue neglecting its importance, this can lead to dramatic effects that start to impact not only the individual, but also the people, family and friends that might see these needs and issues go unheard. Unfortunately, there is little I can do that will bring him back, but I don't think that you should ever limit yourself from doing what you know you should do, which for myself, is to raise money for efforts directed towards suicide prevention and other mental and emotional health issues.

Running is something I know I can definitely do (21K is pushing it though!) and if I think about how many hours I spend a week investing in my own physical health it amounts to a lot of manhours doing something that, let's face it, is really only benefitting myself.  

I see the opportunity in exercise to do something and train for a cause that extends beyond myself, that's why my goal is to go the distance (literally) not just for myself, but in honour of all those who have ever experienced the loss of someone who may have felt the only solution was to take their own life and in the hopes that even in a small way, the funds I raise can contribute to the prevention of future losses to mental health issues. 

If you want to help me support this cause, then any donations would be immensely appreciated and for those wondering...NO, I do not consider play money/ I.O.U's/ supportive hi-5's as suitable funds.

Thanks for your time and I hope that this mini essay has itself made you more aware of your own mental health as well as considered the health of others.

Peace out, speak out and be the change :)