It’s fair to say November was a big month for Hawke’s Bay Detective Dominic Brown.
He grew a moustache and clocked up 351kms as part of a personal challenge to run 11.6kms every day in November to raise money for local youth suicide education initiative - the Reid O’Leary Charitable Trust. The trust was formed after the suicide of 21-year-old Hastings mechanic Reid O’Leary in 2020.
The daily distance reflects the 11.6 people out of 100,000 New Zealanders who lost their battle with mental illness in 2021.
Affectionately dubbed the "Flying Ginger" Dom says mental illness is something that affects everyone either directly or indirectly in some way, shape or form.
“I have been through some tough times myself and so this is my way of acknowledging that while we go through tough times, we can get through it, even when the biggest of challenges are put in front of us.”
Dom says he found the challenge tough with some days better than others.
“Some days I felt fast and strong, others I felt weary and tired. I guess that's a good reflection of our own humanity and a reminder that each day is different, but overall I felt a sense of well-being and purpose.”
Dom managed to raise more than $6,000 for the charity and money is still coming in the door.
He says the highlight for him was connecting with people and being reminded how supportive and positive humans can be.
“Within the Police we are so lucky to have a wider ethos of whānau and a sense of belonging, which I can see extends into our community. It's these initiatives that show the public that we too are human and that we share in life's good times and bad.”
Dominic was joined for a couple of runs by Taranaki Sergeant Paul Bailey who did the same challenge raising money for ‘I am Hope’.
“I had the pleasure of running with so many different people and the highlight for me was being connected to good humans who, whether they ran or not, supported the cause via donations, kind words of encouragement and checking in to see how the month was tracking along.”
And what did he learn during his month-long journey?
“That some days 11.6 kilometres is a very long way and others it seems much shorter!
“In all seriousness, what I did learn not only during this challenge but since I shared a bit of my journey a couple of years back, is that we all go through struggles and that those struggles look and feel different for all of us.”
Dom says he has learnt a great deal about equipping himself with the tools he needs to be resilient, to acknowledge how he feels and to move through the tough times and look forward.
“There have been those who have said 'you share too much', but the danger is when we don't share or we feel like we can't or it isn't safe to, because by sharing a bit of ourselves, we create a safe space for others to share too.”
So, what’s next for the ‘Flying Ginger’?
Well, the moustache is staying as his partner likes it and it’s become a bit of a talking point and his signature look.
And as for running? He already has an idea for a running challenge to undertake next Movember.
“In the meantime, I think I may get a training programme together and give a marathon a nudge. The ultimate for me would be a 100km ultra, but step by step.”