On November 8th, I ran 105km to raise awareness and support for those living with chronic mental illness. To do this, I completed 30 laps around Sydney's Centennial Park for each of the 30 Aussies we lose to suicide each week between the age of 15 to 44, where suicide remains the leading cause of death. 

The initiative was inspired by the passing of a teacher I was close to, who sadly took his own life at the start of last year after a long battle with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Conditions like these affect thousands of Australians, yet they remain some of the most misunderstood and underfunded areas of mental health care. Many people living with these illnesses face daily battles that go unseen as they navigate stigma, exhaustion and treatment options that often fall short. 

The run became more than a physical challenge; it was a call to action. I fundraised for the Black Dog Institute because of the critical work they do in research, treatment and advocacy, particularly in the area of treatment resistant mental illness. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of everyone who donated, we raised $85,000! These funds will go to support research into novel therapies and care models that could offer hope where traditional approaches have not. 

The day of the run at Centennial Park was a huge success. Friends, family, teachers and community members turned up throughout the day to run laps, cheer or simply share a moment of reflection. The atmosphere was supportive and energising and it made the challenge feel bigger than just one person running. It became a collective effort to honour those we have lost and support those still fighting. 

The name A Run for My Mate represented the person each of us knows who has dealt with such issues. The event itself became an invitation to donate, to come and run a lap with me on the day or simply to reflect for a mate we each know who has struggled with mental illness. It helped spark change in how we see and support those living with mental health conditions. 

Thanks for the support, Knox 

https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/emergency-help/