Meet the Runners Going the Distance for Youth Mental Health
March 11, 2025
Each year, incredible individuals take on challenges to raise funds and awareness for batyr, helping us reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure more young people have access to the support and education they need.
This year, we’re so excited to be a Gold Partner for the Sydney Marathon on Sunday August 31st, with a dedicated group of fundraisers lacing up their running shoes, each with a deeply personal reason for supporting batyr.
Sharing stories is at the heart of what we do at batyr, and these are just some of our amazing community of fundraisers using their voices and experiences to break down mental health stigma and spark important conversations.
Running for a Future Where No Young Person Struggles Alone
Running for batyr is deeply personal for Ange. After witnessing firsthand how crucial early intervention is for young people facing anxiety and depression, she’s more determined than ever to make a difference.
“2024 was incredibly challenging for our family. Access to programs like batyr would have made a world of difference for kids navigating mental health struggles.”
A recent family trip to Japan marked a huge milestone, showing just how important support and understanding are for young people. But Ange knows the stigma around mental health is still a major hurdle - so she’s running to make a difference in every young person’s life.
Breaking the Cycle of Stigma
Matt knows all too well the isolating effects of mental health stigma. At 25, he was diagnosed with ADHD, a realization that reframed much of his past. For years, he struggled with focus, time management, and a lingering sense of underachievement, often blaming himself.
“I spent so much of my life thinking I was just lazy or undisciplined. Getting diagnosed made everything click - it wasn’t a character flaw; my brain just worked differently.”
Many people with ADHD fall through the cracks due to misconceptions. Those who don’t fit the stereotype of a disruptive child - especially high-achieving students or adults who mask their struggles - often go undiagnosed for years. Even after diagnosis, stigma remains, especially around medication. “There’s overwhelming evidence that stimulant medication is effective and can improve the quality of life of people with ADHD - but it’s easy to miss this when there is so much mis and disinformation on the internet.” Matt says.
Now, Matt is proud of his journey and passionate about encouraging others to seek support.
“If someone takes insulin for diabetes, no one questions it. But when it comes to ADHD, people act like taking medication is a crutch, or a sign of weakness. Nobody should have to feel guilty for seeking help - which is why fighting stigma is so important.”
Honouring a Brother’s Memory
For Peta, the Sydney Marathon is a way to honour her brother Bowen, who devastatingly died by suicide in 2000. To mark 25 years since his passing, she has set an ambitious goal - raising $25,000 for batyr, which would provide 833 students with life-changing mental health education.
“I don’t want to run for just any charity, I want to run for batyr because I’m passionate about your mission and would love my fundraising efforts to support young people in a crisis and help prevent them from ending up as my brother did.”
Despite never considering herself a runner, and living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Peta is committed to training and completing this challenge with the support of her husband, Alexander, an experienced marathon runner who is running alongside her.
“Running together in memory of Bowen will be a powerful shared experience,” Alexander says.
A Full-Circle Moment
Gerard has experienced firsthand the impact of burnout on his mental ill-health. Running was a key part of his recovery plan. Now, at 59, he’s celebrating turning 60 by running his second-ever marathon - raising money for batyr in the process.
“Raising money for batyr’s mental health education programs feels like a "full circle" moment for me given how I got into long distance running in the first place. If we can equip young people with the right tools, they will be more resilient and better prepared for life’s inevitable challenges.”
Bringing Mental Health Awareness to Sport
28-year-old Laura has seen the gaps in mental health education firsthand as a physiotherapist working in public health. Having discovered batyr through UTS sponsoring her local touch footy club, seeing her friends advocate for mental health awareness inspired Laura to take action.
“I have seen so many young people struggle with their mental health, and not be able to access appropriate services or understand their illness due to lack of access to education. Many of my friends suffered from various mental health issues, however were too embarrassed to discuss these in the times they were struggling. I could only have wished that your organisation was more prominent when I was at school as mental health was rarely spoken about, and there were limited accessible resources.”
Now, as she trains for the marathon, she’s looking forward to spreading awareness in her new community in Orange, NSW.
Running for Evan
Adam is running to honour his brother, Evan, who passed away last August due to health issues related to alcoholism. Evan struggled with anxiety and depression for much of his adult life, and despite seeking treatment, he turned to alcohol as a way to cope.
Adam knows the challenges of mental ill-health firsthand, managing his own Generalised Anxiety Disorder through medication, therapy, and - most importantly - running.
“When I was first diagnosed, my doctor recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day. I chose running because it was easy to fit into my busy schedule (full-time work and three kids!) and that has helped me immensely. I would love to be able to share that message. I think exercise has substantial benefits for people suffering from mental health issues.”
Now, he’s taking on his first-ever marathon, just two days before the anniversary of Evan’s passing. It’s a tribute to his brother, a way to share the message that movement matters, and an opportunity to raise critical funds for batyr.
From the Classroom to the Marathon Course
For nearly 20 years, Ross has dedicated his career to supporting young people’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing as a PDHPE teacher in Sydney.
“I've had the privileged position of working with young people my whole career, both in Government and Independent schools. I’ve collaborated closely with students on their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing and have partnered directly with mental health organisations like batyr to support them through the often challenging journey of adolescence.”
In 2023, Ross was awarded a Premier’s Teacher Scholarship for Health Education and Wellbeing. During a five week study tour across Australia, he visited 32 different schools and organisations to explore the reasons why young people were struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. His findings were so significant that they were later requested by the Federal Minister for Youth and Early Childhood Education.
Now, he’s turning his advocacy into action by running for batyr, ensuring that more young people get the support they need before they reach a crisis point.
Every step these runners take is a step toward a future where young people feel empowered to speak up about their mental health and seek support without shame. Their stories remind us why preventative mental health education is so important - and how fundraising for batyr can truly change lives.
Want to support them? You can donate to their fundraising efforts or sign up for your own challenge!