Ollie embarks on the Race to the Stones to bolster mental well-being
Ollie Francisco, a resident near Bicester, is gearing up to participate in the UK's largest Ultramarathon, the Race to the Stones, on July 12, 2020. This 100km challenge, which starts in Lewknor, Oxfordshire and ends in Avebury, home of the 5,000-year-old stones, is more than just a physical test for Ollie. It's a mission to raise funds for the Mental Health Foundation and increase awareness of mental health issues.
Ollie's personal journey is deeply rooted in mental health. When he was 12, his mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia, an event that significantly impacted both his and his mother's mental health. Ollie is challenging the perception of vulnerability as weakness by participating in this gruelling ultra marathon.
"Running the Race to the Stones is more than just a physical challenge for me," Ollie said. "It's about showing that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards seeking help and supporting others who are struggling."
The Mental Health Foundation, a charity that supports people at risk of developing poor mental health, will benefit from the funds raised by Ollie's efforts. Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50, and many still suffer in silence, especially men. The Mental Health Foundation encourages activities like running events to benefit mental health and believes that keeping fit and trying new things can be beneficial for mental health.
Alexa Charnley, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Mental Health Foundation, wished Ollie and all the runners good luck. She praised Ollie for his courage and dedication to raising awareness about this unspoken issue affecting many men.
Over 3,000 people are expected to take part in the Race to the Stones this weekend. The event offers various challenges suitable for different levels of fitness, making it accessible to a wide range of participants. Ollie's Just Giving page is available for donations for his challenge.
Ollie has shared his personal story in the hope that others feel empowered to speak up and seek help. He encourages everyone to support the Mental Health Foundation and to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
For more information about Ollie's involvement in the Race to the Stones, visit the official website of the Race to the Stones or the Mental Health Foundation, or contact them directly. Social media platforms like TikTok can sometimes provide insights into personal stories and motivations behind such races.
- Ollie Francisco is running the Race to the Stones, a 100km Ultramarathon, on July 12, 2020, not only as a physical test, but also as a mission to raise funds for the Mental Health Foundation and increase awareness of mental health issues.
- The Mental Health Foundation, a charity that supports people at risk of developing poor mental health, will use the funds raised by Ollie to help those struggling, as suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50, with many still suffering in silence, especially men.
- Ollie's personal journey is connected to mental health, as he was deeply affected when his mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 12, which prompted him to challenge the perception of vulnerability as weakness.
- Alexa Charnley, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Mental Health Foundation, applauded Ollie for his courage and dedication to raising awareness about mental health, and encouraged everyone to support the Mental Health Foundation, and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
