4x4x48 for Zero2Hero

4x4x48

On March 4th at 4am (WST) I will run 4 miles, every 4 hours for 48 hours (totalling 48 miles or 77 kilometres over the two days). The 4x4x48 is the brainchild of David Goggins of 'Can't Hurt Me' fame (an excellent book and a highly recommended read).

 

Why am I doing this to myself?

 

Firstly, to raise funds for Zero2Hero. Zero2Hero is a fantastic organisation that aims to educate young leaders on mental health issues. Getting in at the 'grass roots' level to reset the stigma on mental health and empower young people to positively influence their peers, is one of the critical differences of Zero2Hero. The money raised will help Zero2Hero continue on their mission.

 

Secondly, I want to test my own willpower and resolve. 2021 was a transformative year for me and I'm thankful for the support of my family and friends. I'm continuing this journey and giving another purpose to my endeavours. Mental health awareness wasn't something that was taught when I went through the education system and it is certainly something that is as important as physical education and health. It's hard to seek help when you don't know the means to ask for help  or are fearful of the perception of your peers. Similarly, its hard to help somebody seeking help when you don't know what to do to be able to support them.

 

ABOUT ZERO2HERO

After losing her stepfather to suicide, Ashlee Harrison was immediately compelled to do something about an issue that affects and devastates so many.

 

Driven to make a meaningful and tangible difference, Ashlee harnessed her conviction and focused on bringing people together to run events and fundraisers that spread the message of suicide prevention, and in 2009, zero2hero was born.

 

Although the initial events were successful, when Ashlee saw the statistics on when mental health issues are formed, she knew that the team’s focus needed to be at the source of the issues – it needed to be on educating young people.

 

The conversation around youth mental health was one that couldn’t be ignored, and in 2012, zero2hero moved into the youth sector, starting a schools program, launching a camp for students, partnering with other organisations to deliver support, and creating youth focused fundraiser and awareness events.

 

Since then, the reach and impact of zero2hero has grown, and so too has the team. Today, zero2hero is reaching more than 70,000 young people each year, and through the Camp Hero, Hero High, and Hero Events programs, there are more than 30 leaders, volunteers and mentors driving the zero2hero mission forward.

 

WHAT ZERO2HERO IS ABOUT

Providing a space to talk about mental health

Reducing the stigma of seeking help

Empowering young people to be the best versions of themselves

Empowering young mental health ambassadors

Effectively and innovatively contributing to the prevention of suicide