Ever since I can remember, I have had a true passion for running. For a long time, it was something I just did because I enjoyed. But over this past year, running has become essential - an anchor - as I have had a lot of pressure in trying to find balance between hanging out with mates, sport, work and study. On top of this, the ground shifted this summer when I lost my beloved uncle, Ivan. I didn’t know how to carry the grief.

On those days when the world felt too quiet and the weight felt too heavy, I found two things that helped me out immensely and that was running and seeking help.

Running allowed me to put one foot in front of the other. It is the one way that the stress can't catch me (unless it’s a PB run). The steady sound of footsteps on the pavement has become my way of untangling the knots in my mind.

Another major turning point was reaching out to Mensline Australia changed my whole perspective at a time when I found it very hard to talk about my struggles with mental health. A conversation with a MensLine counsellor allowed me to see that I was using running no longer for fun, but to punish and push myself until all I could feel was physical pain - just to try and escape everything else. This support helped me see that running could be about more than pain. Instead, It could be about peace and processing. This shift saved me and gave me more motivation than ever to climb this mountain - the Melbourne Marathon.

This marathon is for my uncle. He was a man who had a deep-rooted passion for sport and understood struggle. His own last few years were tough, but you'd never know it from his laugh, kindness or unwavering optimism. I told him once I was running a half-marathon, and the pride in his eyes is a memory I'll carry in my heart for every single step of these 42 kilometres. I run to honour his persevering spirit.

But I'm also running for the men who may be where I was: overwhelmed, grieving, and trying to be strong in silence. That's why every dollar raised here goes directly to MensLine Australia.

Your donation isn't just a number; it’s a lifetime. It means:

• A late-night call from a man on the brink is answered by a compassionate professional

• A father can find resources to hold his family together

• A young guy, maybe like me, is able to watch more videos to make him feel seen and less alone

I have felt the power of their support. Now, I'm using my run to pay it forward. I'm running, so their phones keep ringing. I'm running so no one has to run their hardest races alone.

I know my impact will only be minor, but please, if you can help me hit this goal. Any contribution will make a real and profound difference. Who knows, I may see some of you on the 12th of October!

With immense gratitude,

Louis