A determined group of first responders ran their way $3,000 past their previous fundraising efforts for I Am Hope Foundation.
For the second time, a team from Police, Fire and Emergency, Civil Defence, St John and Defence Force ran in shifts for 24 hours around an indoor track at the Selwyn Sports Centre to raise awareness and money for mental health – an issue close to all of their hearts.
Earlier this year, the event raised just over $5,000 for the I Am Hope Foundation, providing young people with essential mental health services. This year, they are already past $8,000 – and counting.
Organiser Senior Constable Glenn Dawson says everyone involved has had experience responding to mental health incidents and just wanted to help.
“We wanted to step out of our comfort zone,” Glenn says. “I ran in gumboots, others ran with packs, and some made their way round the track in full operational kit and breathing apparatus.
“We wanted to feel a bit of pain – and we did! But we could all see the light at the end of our tunnel whereas there’s a lot of people out there who can’t.”
Bringing it home that it's all about people, one supporter at the event expressed her gratitude for the team's efforts.
“They are running for me," she said. "When I was younger I battled with mental illness and suicide, and other people made a difference. I still struggle but I'm getting there.”
As well as the core team of emergency services members, families, kids and other supporters all joined in for a lap or two, or 50.
There were also hands-on displays from all the agencies, music and the added bonus of a fireworks display, as the event coincided with the Selwyn Fireworks Spectacular.