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.

My experiences have 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. This challenge isn’t about fitness. It’s about showing up for the ones who feel like they don’t matter.

I am Hope, is an organisation that is helping to reshape attitudes towards mental health across Aotearoa and giving young people confidence to speak up, showing our rangatahi they’re not alone and connecting them with support. From primary schools to high schools, they generate conversations that normalise self-doubt and distress whilst offering support. Mental health is a community problem that requires community support which is why I chose to support this organisation and do this challenge.

Every donation helps make a difference to our Kiwi kids!