Going the Extra Mile – Metres for Mental Health
We are excited to introduce nineteen-year-old Liam Marshall, a remarkable person who embodies the spirit of compassion and generosity in our community.
Liam is an outdoors adventurer who created Metres for Mental Health – an initiative that raises funds for Breakthrough while running some incredible distances. At the heart of every impactful community fundraising initiative lies a dedicated individual who goes above and beyond to make a difference.
1. What inspired you to raise funds for Breakthrough?
Mental health has always been something important to me, with a lot of loved ones I know and myself struggling with mental health at times, and with Year 12 adding to the stress and mental health being a more commonly talked about subject, I decided to help spread awareness and make a difference.
2. What have you done so far to fundraise?
Throughout the course of Metres for Mental Health (MFMH), we have held several different events to raise funds. Our first event that we had was in 2021 which involved running 30km from Edwardstown Oval to Happy Valley Oval, via Blackwood/Cherry Gardens, which was a great start, raising $1,667.
Our biggest event so far was when I ran 228km from Crystal Brook to Adelaide Oval across 7 days, raising $5,626.
3. What have been the benefits of fundraising for Breakthrough?
There are so many great benefits to fundraising for Breakthrough. Most importantly, the funds raised go directly to mental health research, but on a personal note, there are also some amazing benefits for me too.
I have learned a lot of new skills throughout this experience, as well as learning a lot about mental health and running. I truly believe it has made me a better and much happier person.
4. Can you share a memorable story or moment from one of your fundraisers?
There have been a lot of memorable moments over the course of Metres For Mental Health. Making my A-grade footy debut on MFMH day, and finishing up my first run in front of loved ones was also significant, but there’s one in particular that stands out to me.
The third day of my run from Crystal Brook to Adelaide Oval was the toughest day by far. Having faced rain throughout the previous day, and more miserable weather on this day, we faced plenty of different challenges which made things incredibly hard.
Running on old dirt and sand roads, one of the roads along the route was closed due to the rain the day before, leaving us to change the route. As well as this, it was our longest running day of the journey, equaling 39kms in one day.
With this combination, plus a knee injury carrying over from the previous day, and the lack of motivation being in those middle days of the seven-day trip, the feeling I got when I finished that run was indescribable; something that I will never forget.
A mixture of relief, satisfaction and exhaustion, I knew from then on, that any doubts I had about being able to finish the run were squashed – if I could finish that day, I could finish any day.
5. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start raising funds for Breakthrough?
Why not? It seems cliché to say but what is stopping you from starting your own initiative or hosting an event or even just donating yourself?
It’s not as difficult as you think, and any little help can go a long way. Even doing simple things such as sharing Breakthrough’s details or asking people if they’d be happy and willing to donate can have an impact.
This whole experience has been amazing so far, with some memories I will forever cherish and some lifelong lessons I will always remember. So, why not try and chip in wherever you can, a little goes a long way.
Start your own fundraiser for Mental Health Research
Head to our community hub and start your own fundraiser. Start your own journey to make this world free from mental illness.
