Ben runs in the AGS 1000 Miler

The 1000 Miler is a unique opportunity for Grammar boys to participate in an event that really gives back to our community. We run continuously, in a relay fashion, over the 1000 Miles. This 1000 Miler has been and will be the only one which will take place while I am a student at Grammar, but has been a long-running (Ha, see what I did there?) tradition.

The cause that we're raising money for isn't a laughing matter though. The current “harden up, stay staunch and let’s not talk about it” attitude towards anyone going through rough times in New Zealand needs to change. With the highest youth suicide rates after only Lithuania for young men and Singapore for young women, as the Key to Life Charity webpage's mission statement decrees, "These figures can no longer be ignored or swept under the carpet."

Key to Life is a brilliant charitable trust has a five-point plan to tackle youth suicide. You can read all about this on their website, but here's a brief summary.

The first stage is achieving AWARENESS. Primarily, by removing the stigma attached to discussing suicide and mental health.

Secondly, community PEER SUPPORT by the means of the development of new suicide-prevention policies, advancement through research, creation of national and regional databases of contacts, and engagement with youth as leaders in overcoming youth suicide.

As a third method, the Trust plans to use community EXPERTISE to become a “point of call” for New Zealanders, and a well-respected and referenced resource for media and government.

EFFECTIVENESS is also key: the funds raised must be used in a meaningful, practical, and productive manner.

Finally, EDUCATION. Allowing up-to-date information of the Trust's successes and challenges to be discussed in a public forum will contribute toward transparency within the organisation and more functional processes in the future.

From what I've been told, the 1000 Miler isn't easy. It's not supposed to be. Call it decisive, call it gruelling, call it character-building, call it whatever you want. I just want to get out there and run to raise money for a truly deserving cause.