Supporting those fighting invisible battles. 1x400m loop + 24 hours.

Mental health has shaped my life, my family, and the people I love. I’ve struggled and I've watched friends carry pain they didn’t feel safe to talk about. I’ve seen family hit points where life felt too heavy and felt the ripple effect through everyone around them. Even when it wasn’t my battle, I've been there in the late-night conversations, the worry, the fear of losing someone, and the frustration of not knowing how to help.

There have also been times where it was my own fight. Moments that showed me how real and raw mental health struggles can be. These experiences taught me how deeply mental health impacts not just the person struggling, but their whole circle, and how support — even one safe person or one moment of hope — can pull someone back.

So for 24 hours, I’ll be running and walking the same 400m loop on repeat. A constant grind that mirrors what so many face daily. Some carry a weight you can’t see — so I’ll carry one to honour them. Some feel stuck in the same loop — so I’ll run mine to show they’re not alone. This challenge isn’t about fitness. It’s about showing up for the ones who feel like they don’t matter.

I Am Hope have a mission to help reshape attitudes towards mental health across Aotearoa and give our rangatahi the confidence to speak up. Giving them hope and resources to tackle these feelings. Every donation helps make a difference to our Kiwi kids!

If my 24 hours of suffering can give even one person a shot at hope, then it’s worth every step.