Lithgow's Maddy Bender has tied up her running shoes to compete in the annual City2Surf on Sunday, August 11 in a move to make a difference and incorporate Livin's mental health workshops into schools in rural NSW.
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Working as a PDHPE teacher at Oberon High School, Ms Bender said she was responsible for educating students on how to be proactive citizens and promote healthy lifestyles both in and outside the classroom.
"Working as an educator in a rural community and recognising the prevalence of mental health, I feel the need to spread the word that it 'ain't weak to speak' and to live your life to the fullest which is also a Livin initiative," she said.
To initiate the awareness, Ms Bender will run 14 kilometres from the Sydney CBD to Bondi beach in the world's largest fun run.
"I will be completing the City2Surf in honour of those close to me affected by the burden of mental health and I'll be running in my Livin merch so feel free to scream encouragement," she said.
She said the idea of running the City2Surf was something out of her comfort zone but it was all for a good cause.
"It makes it that little bit more rewarding running for a cause and spreading the word that mental health is not a weakness," she said.
She also said the run was just the first step of her overall goal of running a 42 kilometre marathon.
"I have been training for the lead up and hope to run it in under 90 minutes," she said.
I want people to perceive mental health differently and to reinforce that it is not a weakness.. remember, it ain't weak to speak.
- Maddy Bender
Ms Bender said mental health services were limited in the Lithgow area and one of the hardest things about having a mental health condition was seeking help.
"There are many barriers to getting help, whether it be access to support services, stigma or even embarrassment to seek help, but I hope that being an advocate for Livin I can help make a difference," she said.
She said being in a position where she was able to make a difference was very rewarding and one step closer to reducing the stigma.
"Mental health can have detrimental effects, so by raising awareness and allowing people around me to become more comfortable to speak out in times of hardship is really what this journey is about.
"I want people to perceive mental health differently and to reinforce that it is not a weakness.. remember, it ain't weak to speak," she said.
"You never know who is doing it tough until you ask."
Ms Bender's fundraising target goal is $3000 and since opening the fundraiser she has raised $1000.
To help her make a difference you can donate to her everyday hero fundraising page 'Move for Maddy' with all funds being donated to the Livin campaign.
"Every dollar makes a difference and every word spoken breaks the stigma. A small donation would be appreciated, but the most beneficial act would be a simple conversation," Ms Bender said.
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