Personal message

You're not alone!

As an ultra-runner, I've pushed myself mentally and physically to the edge. But while I choose to take on these battles, there are far too many people fighting battles uphill daily. Sometimes we see their pain, sometimes we don't. That's why I've decided to reach out - to help my fellow runners break through walls and to help those fighting hidden barriers to keep going. 

My brother, Ryan, suffered with and fought depression and anxiety for over two years. He was an incredibly clever young man with a brilliant sense of humour that was unfortunately debilitated by mental illness. My parents stood by his side through various medications and treatments; he knew how loved he was and how he wanted to live his best life. 

Over the last few months he started a treatment called TRE (trauma release exercises) that helped him so much that he was able to leave the house and even started university. 

He was selfless, helping others going through the same thing, and while he hated the idea of being on medication, he encouraged others. But in his selflessness, he lost the strength needed to fight his own illness. He took his own life the night I finished my fourth Two Oceans Ultra Marathon - a battle that now pales in comparison to what he went through daily.  

Selfless until the end, my brother never gave up. Mental illness, much like other life-threatening diseases, took over. This was one thing he could not control. 

I will be running the Cape Town Festival of Running 100km to honour my brothers life and to raise awareness for mental health and iIllness and help break barriers around suicide stigma. It will be the farthest I've run, and probably the hardest. I don't want to do this alone either. 

So, together with my running club, Century City Athletics Club and Fitness studio, BOUNDFIT, we will run as a team, supporting each other on this epic mental and physical journey, much like we all need to support those that may be suffering in silence. Our run will be dedicated to these fighters and to the families who have suffered the loss of a loved one to this illness. 

 

And I'm not doing this alone: 

Five awesome runners are going the distance and raising funds for this cause. They'll be running for loved ones affected and to help bring mental health issues to greater prominence in all areas of our lives. 

Fundiswa Sandi

"Mental Illness was never a subject that was highlighted or discussed in my circle. Currently I am of different mindset following direct interaction with various individuals. I've also quite shocked to learn that a third of our population in SA suffers from Mental illnesses and more than 70% don’t receive treatment. This is not common knowledge to most people and the question is. I want to help get the information and message across to our people?"

Roumelia Shinowa 

“Over the past few years I have faced many challenges which brought me to the brink of depression. I have had to fight my basic instincts of succumbing to any feelings of unworthiness, defeat, self-doubt or giving up. What I have learned through my journey is that there is a stigma in society when it comes to showing any signs of not copying with anything mentally. It is seen as sign of weakness. I am therefore running in support of this cause to bring awareness to the fact that mental health is as important as physical health and that it is okay to be not be okay. We need to get to a place where we ensure people know that they are not alone and can reach out whenever they need whatever kind of support. You do not need to be medically diagnosed to seek council. Healthy minds need support just as much as a healthy person goes to the doctor for check-ups with no obvious illness.” 

Luca Boyana

 "I'm running to help raise the awareness of mental health issues and how running has helped me and others."  

Alastair Sproul 

“I'm running in solidarity with those that take on these physical and mental struggles daily.”  

Bertie Cloete 

“Know that there are people who are ready to help. Call on me any time - we can go for a run.”

 

You are not alone. 

The organisation I have chosen to support is The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (www.sadag.org), the largest mental health organisation in the country which actively assists those struggling with depression, bipolar, trauma, panic and anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. 

The reality is that 1 in 4 people struggle with mental health problems, there are 23 suicides a day in South Africa and almost 70% of them are between the age of 18 and 39. That means there are people in our team of runners affected by this. We want you to know, whether your battle is getting to the finish line or getting through the day, you are not alone. 

Kindly donate if you feel within your heart that mental illness needs to be addressed and those suffering know that they can reach out and be helped. Donations are not limited up to race day and will continue onto many races. And if you can't show support financially, join us in completing this challenge by taking up the 100km, 50km or 25km relay (in a team of 5). 

Mental health is just as important as physical health. You wouldn’t dismiss broken bones, so please don’t dismiss broken minds.

Thank you to all those that will be running/walking this journey with me and for all the support and love we have received as a family. We are here for you if you need help too and would like to share your story.

 

My baby boetie, this is for you!

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