Paramedics take on fitness challenge in the name of mental health
November 8, 2024in Community News
Maryborough paramedic Ben Andrews has never completed a marathon before, but he says that won’t stop him doing four back-to-back to raise funds for an important cause.
This month, Ben is taking part in The Long Night 2024 which raises funds for mental health support in the Ballarat region.
He won’t be the only Ambulance Victoria (AV) participant in the fundraising challenge, with Wendouree paramedic Jess Metcalf also signing up.
Jess Metcalf and Ben Andrews training for The Long Night.
She’ll complete the four back-to-back marathons – one each on the SkiErg, rowing and Echo Bike machines as well as a run – in a team of four, doing 10.55km of each leg.
This year marks the second edition of the fundraiser, which began last year when three members of The Shed Gym in Ballarat ran 118km from Federation Square in Melbourne to the gym, raising money and awareness after the suicide of their friend Jimmy Petrie.
“I live in Ballarat and train at The Shed Gym, and one of the three members who began the fundraiser asked me if I’d be interested being part of it this year,” Ben said.
“I’ve never actually done a marathon before on any of the pieces of equipment, but before I joined AV, I was a professional cyclist so the physical challenge appealed to me.”
The Long Night 2024 will take place from November 15-17.
“The event runs overnight because that’s when a lot of people struggle the most and also struggle to reach out,” Ben said.
“But the event will continue into the morning, which signifies the sun rising and the start of a new day, and another chance for people struggling to keep trying.”
Ben on the rowing machine.
Jess, who is also a member of The Shed Gym, said she hopes the fundraiser helps people start conversations about their mental health.
“It’s one of those topics that is talked about but is still very stigmatised,” she said.
“I like that this event takes something that was so sad for everyone who knew Jimmy and brings it into the light, so it can be talked about openly.
“Beyond raising money, hopefully it can open people up to having these conversations and let people know that it’s ok to not be ok.”
Jess using the SkiErg.
Donations will go to the Ballarat Foundation’s James Petrie Fund, to support projects which respond to mental health issues in the Ballarat region and support youth engagement.
Ben said the cause was close to his heart as a Ballarat local.
“It’s important to me that the funds go back into Ballarat mental health resources and improving services for the community here,” he said.
“It’s all about reducing stigma and improving mental health awareness.”
Ben has been a paramedic at AV for two years and said he hopes initiatives like The Long Night help reduce the number of people needing emergency mental health care.
“At AV, we see people at the critical point and I want to advocate for people to reach out before they get there,” he said.
“It’s important through the event that we advocate for people to reach out early to their friends or to support services, before they get to that crisis point.”
Jess said she strives to be a role model for others and show that anyone struggling with their mental health is not alone.
“The main thing for me is for people to be aware that everyone has struggles of some description,” she said.
“Opening yourself up and letting people see what you’re going through is really important because it helps remove stigma and create a space for others to share their experiences.”
Visit The Shed Gym website for more information and to donate.
Jess and Ben at The Shed Gym.