This Sunday 21st May, thousands of Western Australians will take part in HBF Run for a Reason.
Among them will be St John of God Subiaco Hospital caregiver Sarah Negus, who has been training for months with two goals in mind: running 12km, and raising funds to support free and low-cost mental health services in her community.
All donations received through St John of God Foundation for this year’s event will help WA people in need to access high-quality, cost-free mental wellbeing care, and emotional support through pregnancy and into adulthood through perinatal mental health services.
“The reason for me wanting to do this, besides the personal challenge, is raising money for the St John of God Foundation and that money going towards community mental health services,” says Sarah.
“That’s really something that I feel really passionately about - that everyone should be able to access those services. Mental health is a huge thing, I feel it’s really important for everyone to be able to see a psychologist, particularly after COVID-19.
“I think there’s still quite a stigma around reaching out for that help, so I think it should be available for everyone and I think everyone should be able to take it and not be ashamed of reaching out for that help.”
Sarah, a Clinical Trials Liaison Officer who has worked at St John of God Health Care for over two years, is also passionate about giving back.
“I think the organisation’s values are wonderful, I love that it is not-for-profit and giving back to the community as much as we can,” she says.
Outside of work, Sarah is a keen runner, and is looking forward to the challenge that HBF Run for a Reason will bring.
“I’ve recently joined a triathlon club, so that’s given me a good foundation. Admittedly I’ve not run 12 kilometres, so the distance is definitely going to be a challenge,” she says.
“The goal is to run the whole way, so we’ll see how that goes. I’ve said ‘I’m going to try to run the whole way, so if you want to not only support a great cause but also watch me suffer…then go for it!’”
Sarah has been pleasantly surprised by the support of her friends and family when it came to her fundraising.
“I haven’t really fundraised before at all, this is my first time and I’ve been really fortunate that I’ve had people around me that have been really supportive and willing to give to the cause,” she says.
“I’m surprised at how well I’ve done actually. My goal is to reach the $500 dollar mark, by the race.”
We’re wishing Sarah, #TeamSJOG, and all the runners the very best of luck for this weekend. By going the distance, they will make an amazing difference for our WA community.
Photo credit: Faze Photography
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