When Christchurch landscaper Morgan Bartrum laces up his running shoes next week, each step will be for someone lost too soon.
The 26-year-old endurance athlete is preparing to run 617km around Hagley Park - one kilometre for every New Zealander who died by suicide last year.
Bartrum will begin the challenge on September 1, covering 100km a day for six days before finishing with a final 17km on September 7 - coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day.
“Last year 617 Kiwis took their own lives. It’s heartbreaking, and I figured someone needs to do something to create awareness," Bartrum said.
For him, this challenge is deeply personal. He has faced his own battles with mental health and knows the pain of losing others.
“I’ve known people who have taken their lives. For me it was a no-brainer to raise money for mental health awareness. Running is the best way to challenge yourself - you can always take one more step.”
Bartrum has spent the past year training, starting with strength and mobility before grinding through months of long runs. But he knows the real test will be mental.
“You can’t think about the ‘oh I’ve got 200k to go,' you just think about the next lap or pick a target. If the reason for finishing something is stronger than any pain you’ll receive, then you’ll always finish it.”
As well as his run, Bartrum is encouraging people across the country to take part in the What’s Your Six Seventeen? challenge - a seven day movement where individuals, schools and communities can set their own goals in honour of those lost or the ones still fighting.
The event is backed by I am Hope, with funds raised going towards its Gumboot Friday programme, which provides free counselling for young people. Founder Mike King said Bartrum's effort was extraordinary.
“I’m absolutely blown away by what Morgan is setting out to do. Running 617 kilometres around Hagley Park is an extraordinary physical challenge, but what makes it truly powerful is the purpose behind it, shining a light on mental health and suicide prevention.
“Morgan’s effort will spark hope, connection, and awareness in ways that statistics and reports never could.
“On behalf of the whole I am Hope whānau, I want to thank him for standing up for our young people and turning his passion into something that will make a real difference.”
Each morning from 7am Bartrum will set off from South Hagley Park, with an aid station and an open invite for anyone who wants to join him for a lap.
He hopes the event will not only honour the 617 lives lost but also encourage others to speak up and seek help.
“I'm just a kid going out there to create awareness but it's through community we make a difference,” he said.
“It’s okay to not be okay, but never okay to not be okay alone.”
Where to get help
If it is an emergency and you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
For counselling and support:
Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Need to talk? Call or text 1737
Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202
For children and young people
Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
For help with specific issues
Alcohol and Drug Helpline: Call 0800 787 797
Anxiety Helpline: Call 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
OutLine: Call 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) (6pm-9pm)
Safe to talk (sexual harm): Call 0800 044 334 or text 4334
All services are free and available 24/7 unless otherwise specified.
For more information and support, talk to your local doctor, hauora, community mental health team, or counselling service. The Mental Health Foundation has more helplines and service contacts on its website.
