Times are tough for many Coasties at the moment, with calls to mental health services at an all-time high but one local man is set to make a difference, running three marathons in three days to raise money for Beyond Blue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Niagara Park\u2019s Brendan Mitchell is set to run 160kms \u2013 or two half marathons and three full marathons \u2013 in three days from Wednesday, August 11 to Friday, August 13 to raise money for Beyond Blue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In November 2020, Brendan raised $1000 for Beyond Blue with a self-run 80km ultramarathon. This time, he\u2019s doubling the distance and doubling the goal with $2000 the target for the 160km. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
ClickView<\/a>, where Brendan works as an education advisor, is also set to contribute to the fundraising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Brendan said he has selected Beyond Blue as the recipient to show support for the charity\u2019s work in response to the growing mental health crisis the COVID-19 pandemic has seen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond Blue\u2019s stats indicate significant increases in student and teacher mental health challenges compared to 2019, with a 66% increase in April 2020 compared to April 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before his role at ClickView, Brendan taught at several schools on the Central Coast including Point Clare Public School. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs a teacher, I\u2019ve had students with mental health challenges for a variety of reasons,\u201d Brendan said, \u201cI\u2019ve also had my own mental health struggles, as have many in my close and extended family.\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis huge challenge is to show support for the many people around the country who are experiencing mental health issues as a result of the pandemic, and hopefully put a smile on people\u2019s faces along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good luck Brendan, the Coast will be cheering you on!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or anyone you know are struggling with mental health, help is available to you:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond Blue<\/em><\/strong><\/a> on 1300 22 4636 \u2013 online chat available.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lifeline<\/em><\/strong><\/a> on 13 11 14<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 online and text chat available.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are dealing with domestic violence, please contact:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800RESPECT<\/em><\/strong><\/a> on 1800 737 732 (chat function also available online).<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In case of emergency, call 000.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Listen via the Star 104.5 Player, download it now via the <\/em>App Store<\/em><\/a> or <\/em>Google Play<\/em><\/a> and take Star 104.5 wherever you go. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n WATCH: Wake up with a laugh and join <\/em><\/strong>Rabbit & Sarah for Breakfast<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, weekdays, 6am-9am. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n