Shellharbour man to do a 24-hour non-stop fitness challenge for male mental health
Shellharbour, NSW – Henry Watkins, 24, will be undertaking a mammoth 24-hour fitness challenge to raise $5,000 for young male mental health and social well-being.
Beginning at 6am on Saturday, 19th September at Anytime Fitness Shellharbour, Henry will complete 8 hours of running on the treadmill, immediately followed by 8 hours of boxing on the punching bag and a final 8 hours on the stepping machine, with his only break allowances being bathroom breaks and switchovers.
Funds raised will go to support 20 young men through Top Blokes Foundation’s mentoring programs that upskill boys and young men to improve their mental health and social well-being, with the aim of reducing the statistics around male suicide, violence and risk-taking behaviours.
“I’ve done a challenge like this before, but this is the next level. I wanted to do something big for a cause close to me. I’ve been through challenging times with my mental health and I know how much it would’ve helped to have support like Top Blokes at a young age,” said Henry.
“Men still aren’t there when it comes to mental health. 6 men die by suicide every day. If we can lay that foundation for boys at a young age to learn how to get support as well as to be a support system for their mates, the culture will change. That’s why we need to support organisations like Top Blokes, and 24 hours of fitness seemed like a good start to me to spread awareness.”
To help him out in this gruelling challenge, donors can give Henry a breather, with every $5 donated on the day earning him a minute’s break. Donations can be made at fundraise.topblokes.org.au/henry-watkins
Any media interested in interviews or presence on the day can contact Sarah Hallab at sarah@topblokes.org.au or on 0430 384 677.
Top Blokes Foundation is a young male health organisation that provides group mentoring programs for boys and young men aged 10-24 to improve their mental health and social well-being. Delivered by qualified youth workers over 3 to 6 months, the programs are run in schools and communities, in-person and online. For more information, visit www.topblokes.org.au.
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Media contact:
Sarah Hallab at sarah@topblokes.org.au or on 0430 384 677.
Please click here to access the media library: www.topblokes.org.au/henry-watkins-media