This September, I’m going to be sweating it out and doing my best to complete a gruelling course of 9km!  Yes I am attempting to run a whole 9 kilometres over the harbour bridge, through Sydney finishing at the Royal Botanic Gardens.  Running has been a huge challenge for me since major spinal cord surgery 2 years ago.  But the challenge is nothing compared to the challenge and stigma individuals with mental health conditions face on a daily basis!   This charity is close to my heart living and growing up with a mother that suffered with mental illness and depression all her life until her recent passing.  Her battles have inspired me to help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, particularly around depression and encouraging people to gain the support they need. 

I'm taking part in the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 2014 and hoping to raise much needed funds for the Black Dog Institute who support this worthy cause.

One in five Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime but less than 50% seek professional help - often with tragic consequences.  By running the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival and raising funds, I feel I am helping The Black Dog Institute move forward to break down the barriers of social stigma surrounding Mental Health.
 

I am committed to achieving great results and supporting such an amazing charity and the great work they do in encouraging people to seek help through community education and clinical treatment programs by raising awareness of mental health issues across metropolitan and regional Australia.

I am honoured to be a part of this amazing race and helping a great cause, and I’d really appreciate your support in this endeavour. 

Thank you for your support and helping to make a difference!