21km run for Georgia's 21st Birthday

If you asked me a 6 months ago if I thought I would see my 21st, I would have defensively said no and that would be the end of discussion. I wasn't interested in seeing the next hour let alone my birthday. If you had asked me 3 months ago, I almost lost the chance to say no because instead I laid on my bedroom floor not breathing and needed resuscitation from a suicide attempt. If you asked me a week ago, I would have cried and said "I do." I do want to see my 21st. August last year I started a fundraiser for the Mental Health Foundation as I was going to run the Auckland Half Marathon. I ended up to mentally unwell and unfit to make that run. I want to make that run. So I have decided, on my 21st which is on January 10th, I will run 21km and fundraise for the Mental Health Foundation.

I have spent 9 months inpatient in Henry Bennett Centre, and have spent the last 7 weeks in Ashburn Clinic in Dunedin for my mental health. I'm constantly told by people that I would be the last person they would think of that would be struggling the way I am. But that just shows how good of a facade people can put on. How good they can make themselves look even when there on the brink of life and death. Hiding my mental health didn't serve me any good. I hid it for a long time. I don't want to hide anymore. Hiding is why I got so unwell. I don't want to do that anymore. I am really excited to put my energy into something like fundraising for a company that does so much good. Your donation will help the foundation provide individuals, workplaces, schools and communities with the tools they need to build positive mental health and wellbeing. Like I said last year, going from couch to 21km seems incredibly daunting - but stepping out of my comfort zone to fundraise and discuss something that is bigger than all of us almost seems scarier!

As I am directly effected by mental illness, this run is going to be something really important to me. I would love your support to promote this cause - whether it is words of encouragement, sharing your experiences, donating to my page or even joining me on a training run (because I can't run for shit) and I have 3 months to train for this 21km run. This is going to not only push my body but also my mind to the limit. I can't wait for this new adventure.

Thank you to everyone. Let's do this! All donations will be appreciated, big or small. We'll all be making a difference together.

If you believe that you need help, the first step although it is extremely difficult is for you to reach out. Here are some numbers you can call or reach out to:

Depression helpline: 0800 111 757

Lifeline: 0800 543 354

Samaritans: 0800 726 666

Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234

1737 Need to talk?: Call or text 1737