Ben’s hitting the road for mental health

For most, driving from Burnie to Hobart if far enough, however 27 year old MyState employee, Ben Hirst, will attempt the distance on foot, all to raise money for suicide prevention charity, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.

Ben’s ‘Run for Mental Health’ will commence on February 25 from outside the Beachfront Voyager Hotel in Burnie and finishing on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on February 28, a total distance of 340 kilometres in just four days.

Having found a new love for ultra-distance running, Ben said he wanted to combine his passion with a charity close to his heart.

“I have experienced mental health issues first hand with many of my family and friend, through this I have found that even though it’s becoming more accepted within society, the stigma is still there,” said Mr Hirst.

“I’m doing this run for my loved ones who have lived with mental health disorders and for all those people out there afraid to speak up and ask for help out of fear of judgment and alienation.

“SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY is making a huge impact on mental health and suicide awareness and is also doing important work through school education to ensure children are inclusive of mental health disorders and suicide.

“My mission for the run is to raise awareness through getting people talking about mental health and also raise money to support SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY along the way.” SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY Founder Mitch McPherson said he’s proud and excited Ben chose to support his charity through his run.

“It is very humbling when people go out of their way, and in this case, Ben is putting himself through a gruelling test of endurance to raise awareness of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY,” said Mr McPherson.

To coincide with his run, Ben is encouraging people to participate in a virtual fun run whereby runners sign up to undertake a nominated distance during the month of February.

“A virtual fun run is like any other fun run however it can be completed wherever and whenever you like,” said Mr Hirst.

“You can choose the distance you wish to complete and once you complete your run, you receive a Finisher’s Medal, just like a ‘real life’ fun run.

“People can accumulate their runs over multiple weeks with the aim of running a half or full marathon by the end of the month.

“We are encouraging the entire nation to get behind this campaign. I would love for people to encourage their family members, friends and colleagues to take part in helping to break the stigma of mental illness and also enjoy the benefits of living an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Entry fees for the virtual run and any money raised by Ben’s ‘Run for Mental Health’ will be donated to Tasmanian suicide prevention charity, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, with an aim of $5,000 being collected by the end of February.

Entry in the virtual run closes on Monday, 8 February.

MyState have pledged $500 towards Ben’s run and will also provide him with a motorhome to accompany him on his journey.

Mr Hirst said MyState have been incredibly supportive and he wished to thank them for their contributions so far.

How does the virtual run work?

1. Choose your distance – 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 42.2km, 50km, 75km, 100km, or 150km or even the whole 340km 2. Register via https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=57068 3. Accumulate your kilometres during February 4. Post your runs on our Facebook page or email your achievements to runformentalhealth@gmail.com. 5. Receive your finishers’ medal in the mail. Ben’s daily targets
Day 1- Burnie to Deloraine- 100km
Day 2- Deloraine to Campbell Town – 97.9km
Day 3- Campbell Town to around Bagdad area 96.5km
Day 4- Bagdad to Hobart -37-40km
Ned Worledge, Font PR