General News
15 November, 2024
Paramedic’s marathon effort
Many describe the marathon as one of the most physically demanding tasks a person can undertake, but Maryborough paramedic Ben Andrews is attempting to complete four in succession in the name of mental health awareness.
Tonight, Ben will participate in The Long Night event, a series of gruelling challenges all 42.2 kilometres in duration.
While some are completing the ski, row, bike and run in teams of two and four this weekend, Ben will aim to complete all four back-to-back.
Organised by The Shed Gym in Ballarat, which Ben is a member of, the event started last year with three members running 118 km from Melbourne’s Federation Square to the gym in memory of friend Jimmy Petrie who died by suicide.
Despite never completing a marathon before, Ben said the cause he is supporting is a great motivator.
“It’s an event that interests me, it’s something to train for and it’s raising awareness for a really good cause,” he said.
“Exercise is a really good outlet to improve your mental health — people who are participating have struggled, I’ve had my own struggles with mental health so to be alongside those people in a community environment and work through the event will be special.”
All money raised from the fundraiser will go towards The James Petrie fund, which aids mental health support projects and suicide prevention awareness in the Ballarat and Grampians region.
Having been a paramedic for two years, Ben said he has seen the importance of regional mental health services firsthand.
“Ambulance Victoria meets people at their crisis point and we are an important but reactive service,” he said.
“We do see approximately 50 percent of Maryborough patients going between Bendigo and Grampians so if we can improve services there, we can improve outcomes for our patients.
“This is a good way to raise awareness and funds for people to have an open conversation about [mental health] prior to getting to that crisis point.”
Ben said while the event will provide necessary funds, it will also promote vital conversations with colleagues and loved ones.
“I think there is a lot of stigma that everyone should be ok, but it’s fine not to be ok,” he said.
“[The event] starts at 5 pm on Friday because people are most lonely overnight and it’s a really easy time where people can be missed.
“The Shed Gym runs a check in session on Friday nights which is a come-along session as a game night to play gym games with your friends and check in on people.
“We are aiming to raise funds to improve accessibility to mental health, but it’s just as important to check in with your mates before they are at the point of crisis.”
While he completes his final preparations, Ben said he is excited to tackle the challenge ahead.
“There’s a degree of nerves but I’m keen to get it started and it’s not a race, it’s an event to get through and it’s a time of reflection,” he said.
“It will be extremely hard no doubt and I think there will be a rollercoaster of emotions going through it, but that’s an opportunity for me to feel how those people may be feeling who suffer from mental illness every day.”
For more information, and to donate to The Long Night cause, visit www.theshedgym.com.au/the-long-night
If you or a loved one needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348 or webchat www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat, or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 or via webchat at kidshelpline.com.au