Northland Kauri Womens Rugby & Mental Health

While the benefactor of the monies is the Northland Womens rugby team the main benefactor is my mental health and with the mental health of others also being a main driving factor for this fundraiser.

My name is William Morunga,

Since March 2018 i have had two surgeries on my lower back, several rehab lapses and struggles, covid lockdown (so no pools, gym, physio, surgeon etc), ACC, and IRD issues all the way through. From all this my mental health had taken a massive beating (including over the past weekend, being in bed for 2 days and not eating for 60hrs, as life seemed too frustrating etc) and all this after managing depression and anxiety since 2008. (Depression - Anytime, anywhere, it don't care!!) However i am very fortunate to have an awesome support crew so i can manage it quicker.

This fundraiser is not only to raise awareness of mental health but also to show that even though you may have mental health issues, you don't have to lie back and take it. You can still be apart of the community. I cant walk too far without pain or sit longer than 15 minutes or even carry 10kg but i still want to help my community any way i can.

So why Northland Kauri women's rugby team as the benefactor? The Kauri get the nod for the funds because women's rugby in general had a really good 2019, showcasing women rugby nationally/internationally but as with most amateur sports the pressure of cost can affect the players mental health. Also the Kauri have issues with logistics having player converge from all corners from Northland and even coming up from Auckland.

So whether i raise $1 or $500 it doesn't matter, the women will appreciate every cent, and every dollar gives me a little bit more joy. So even though times are tough we can all chip in to make it a little easier for the people who bring us joy through sports.

Look after each other...be kind....and listen.

If you need help or just an ear to listen too please reach out.

Go the mighty Taniwha and Kauri

Ps If we can reach $1000 I will have a shave my head and face which i haven't able to get since my second surgery on 3rd march.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/