Steve's Headspace Run

Due to your generous donations - WAY beyond my expectations - I've had to suspend taking donations via this GoFundMe page. The rules are that $10,000 is my limit!

So, if you still want to donate, please go straight to Headspace (headspace.org.au/get-involved/donations) and  support young people in their mental health battles. Let me know so that I can keep a tally! THANK YOU so much. I'm still running!!!

Starting on the 26th December this year I am planning to run 750km in 10 days to raise money for headspace.

Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through their headspace services in 138 communities across Australia. Headspace works hard to make a difference by offering tools and resources to help young people, and their families, manage mental health more effectively.

750km is the distance from Adelaide to Aspendale which I would have liked to have done but because of COVID it's not going to be possible. So instead I will be spending my summer holidays running 75km a day (8-9 hours) around Melbourne.

2021 has not been a great year for most people but for me its been pretty awful. For the second time in my life I've been battling depression something I wouldn't wish on anyone! One minute life can seem to be great then something happens and suddenly life gets turned upside down. It's in moments like this that I struggle. I've spent a lot of my year feeling ashamed and worthless and finding the motivation to do the smallest things like getting out of bed becomes a challenge. As a male in our society you are not supposed to show that you are struggling it can be frowned upon, people will tell you to just get over it. We are brought up to hide our tears and emotions because these feelings show weakness. But it is ok to not be ok and there are people who can help.

Even though I know this run is going to be incredibly challenging both mentally and physically it is a challenge I'm looking forward to. Without having goals or challenging myself life can just feel like it's going through the motions. For me running is one of the only times in my life that I feel free of anxiety so for 10 days up to 9 hours each day to feel free is something to look forward to.

With COVID 19, home schooling plus all the violence going on around the world - these are hard times for young people growing up. So by me doing this event it will not only help me feel good about myself but hopefully I will be able to help others.

Supporting mental health initiatives for young people is a great cause to get behind, because nobody should feel alone or isolated, particularly those who are more at risk. Each year, one in four young Australians experience mental ill health.

I understand that times are tough and I hate having to ask for money but its something I think is very important and any donation will help make an impact. If people are around over the holidays and would like to join me for a few kilometres I would love the company!

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause which means so much to me.