From 7–19 December, I'll be running 650km from Wellington to Auckland.

Along the way, I'll be stopping at primary schools to share my story and deliver a MITEY Chat focused on resilience, mental wellbeing, and navigating life's challenges. I'll also be joined by local role models and notable alumni from many of the towns I'll be running through.

Why?

In 2015, I experienced the toughest year of my life.

As a Year 13 student, I felt like I was on top of the world. Then everything changed. I tore my ACL and lost the sport that had shaped so much of who I was. During my final NCEA exams, I lost my nana, who had lived next door to me. Just one month later, my best mate unexpectedly passed away at only 21 years young.

Looking back, I know I was incredibly fortunate to have a loving family and people around me who helped me through those darkest moments. Without my family's support, I wouldn't be here today.

The reality is that not every young person has that same support system.

That's why I'm running for MITEY.

I believe resilience can be taught. Every young person deserves the tools to navigate life's challenges before they face them. Through MITEY, thousands of young New Zealanders are learning skills to build confidence, understand their emotions, ask for help, and support one another.

This run is my way of giving back and helping more young people access these life-changing lessons.

100% of donations raised through this Givealittle page will go directly to MITEY