This Sunday’s City2Surf is going to be our most exciting ever, not just because 50+ runners will wear our blue jerseys, but because these three inspiring families will be running together for youth mental health with Team ReachOut and Run.
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Eliza and Miriam after the 2014 City2Surf[/caption]
Eliza and her mum Miriam, who regularly run together throughout the year, raised money for ReachOut in last year’s City2Surf. Young people’s mental health is a cause that’s important to both of them, as Miriam is a teacher and Eliza is 25 years old.
“My daughter’s a young person herself, and she’s experienced mental health issues so it’s close to her heart,” says Miriam.
“I’m really impressed by how frank Eliza is about what she’s gone through, and us doing this together has helped us share that and be more open about it.”
Eliza loves running with her mum, but says it isn’t just about them.
“It’s important to run together because we challenge each other. Running reminds us of the freedom, energy and strength we have despite living with mental illness. We hope by raising funds this year we can raise more awareness to help others find that hope,” says Eliza.
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Jake and Annemarie call themselves the 'Mum and son' team.[/caption]
Kayla, Jake and their mum Annemarie were inspired to run together after their family was recently affected by mental illness and the suicide of a 21-year-old man close to their family.
“After he died, I visited a psych ward for young adults and my heart went out to them. They’re beautiful kids. If I can do anything for them, even just for one person, then that’s making a difference,” says Annemarie.
This year is the first time Annemarie, Jake and Kayla have run the City2Surf, and for Annemarie it’s something she’s wanted to do for a long time.
“Every year I see the City2Surf on the news and I think I really want to do it, but I never get around to it. I chose ReachOut because I know that’ll help these young people. Getting Jake involved was as simple as telling him what I was doing, and he was in!” says Annemarie.
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Stephen and Zoe have the support of their family behind them.[/caption]
12-year-old Zoe and her dad Stephen’s motivation is twofold: Stephen’s introducing Zoe to the idea of giving back, but he says it was Zoe who chose to support ReachOut.
“We looked through the list together and ReachOut resonated with both of us. I was the type of kid who could have used something like ReachOut when I was younger,” says Stephen.
“Zoe’s about that age, so when we saw the opportunity to support those who provide support to young people, we thought it worked.”
Stephen and Zoe have raised more than $1300, but now they’re aiming for an even higher goal: $2000. They’ve had a huge response from their community, and even from their extended family.
“Most of my soccer team has chipped in, as well as my work contacts, plus my younger daughter’s soccer team,” says Stephen.
“My dad had to live through my teenage years, so when he sees me doing stuff like this he thinks it’s a good thing for me to do! He’s chipped in, too.”
Stephen is an old hat at the City2Surf, but this time it’s different.
“Zoe isn’t a runner but it helps to know why we’re doing it. It’s lovely, being able to share this with her.”
These three incredible families will run alongside 51 other legends from Team ReachOut and Run, and tens of thousands of others at this year’s City2Surf. You can cheer them on by making a contribution on their online fundraising pages. Just $10 will give them a little extra puff in their chest, and make sure help is there for a young person who feels like they’re alone.
For peer support and to learn more about what they’re going through, young people can turn to ReachOut.com from anywhere and at any time.
National 24/7 crisis phone services include Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
[caption id="attachment_9560" align="alignright" width="208"]
Eliza and Miriam after the 2014 City2Surf[/caption]Eliza and her mum Miriam, who regularly run together throughout the year, raised money for ReachOut in last year’s City2Surf. Young people’s mental health is a cause that’s important to both of them, as Miriam is a teacher and Eliza is 25 years old.
“My daughter’s a young person herself, and she’s experienced mental health issues so it’s close to her heart,” says Miriam.
“I’m really impressed by how frank Eliza is about what she’s gone through, and us doing this together has helped us share that and be more open about it.”
Eliza loves running with her mum, but says it isn’t just about them.
“It’s important to run together because we challenge each other. Running reminds us of the freedom, energy and strength we have despite living with mental illness. We hope by raising funds this year we can raise more awareness to help others find that hope,” says Eliza.
[caption id="attachment_9562" align="alignleft" width="230"]
Jake and Annemarie call themselves the 'Mum and son' team.[/caption]Kayla, Jake and their mum Annemarie were inspired to run together after their family was recently affected by mental illness and the suicide of a 21-year-old man close to their family.
“After he died, I visited a psych ward for young adults and my heart went out to them. They’re beautiful kids. If I can do anything for them, even just for one person, then that’s making a difference,” says Annemarie.
This year is the first time Annemarie, Jake and Kayla have run the City2Surf, and for Annemarie it’s something she’s wanted to do for a long time.
“Every year I see the City2Surf on the news and I think I really want to do it, but I never get around to it. I chose ReachOut because I know that’ll help these young people. Getting Jake involved was as simple as telling him what I was doing, and he was in!” says Annemarie.
[caption id="attachment_9563" align="alignright" width="230"]
Stephen and Zoe have the support of their family behind them.[/caption]12-year-old Zoe and her dad Stephen’s motivation is twofold: Stephen’s introducing Zoe to the idea of giving back, but he says it was Zoe who chose to support ReachOut.
“We looked through the list together and ReachOut resonated with both of us. I was the type of kid who could have used something like ReachOut when I was younger,” says Stephen.
“Zoe’s about that age, so when we saw the opportunity to support those who provide support to young people, we thought it worked.”
Stephen and Zoe have raised more than $1300, but now they’re aiming for an even higher goal: $2000. They’ve had a huge response from their community, and even from their extended family.
“Most of my soccer team has chipped in, as well as my work contacts, plus my younger daughter’s soccer team,” says Stephen.
“My dad had to live through my teenage years, so when he sees me doing stuff like this he thinks it’s a good thing for me to do! He’s chipped in, too.”
Stephen is an old hat at the City2Surf, but this time it’s different.
“Zoe isn’t a runner but it helps to know why we’re doing it. It’s lovely, being able to share this with her.”
These three incredible families will run alongside 51 other legends from Team ReachOut and Run, and tens of thousands of others at this year’s City2Surf. You can cheer them on by making a contribution on their online fundraising pages. Just $10 will give them a little extra puff in their chest, and make sure help is there for a young person who feels like they’re alone.
Need to talk to someone right now?
For peer support and to learn more about what they’re going through, young people can turn to ReachOut.com from anywhere and at any time.
National 24/7 crisis phone services include Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
Related links
- Fundraise, ReachOut Australia
- Volunteer with us, ReachOut Australia
