Mental Illness is having a growing impact on the community, but one Byron Bay local has decided to do something about it.
Ben Ferris will be running all over the coast in a bid to raise much needed funds for research and support services for people suffering from mental illness.
From Byron to Brisbane, then Byron to Bondi, Ben will make his solo voyage doing what he knows best – running.
“Running is how I spread my message about the importance of fitness, health and a positive attitude”, Mr Ferris said.
“Through my running I hope to show people that you can be happy, you can be positive and you can make a difference in any way you chose”, he said.
‘Byron Bay Ben’ as he has become known, has had his fair share of setbacks. He grew up in Kyogle and over his earlier years, despite hard training, continued to be denied his goals of being accepted in the SAS.
In his younger years, Ben set his goals around material items as measure of success and strove to build his financial growth. However he suffered various setbacks and he eventually chose to give up his house and focus on what he knows will add the most value to young people – running.
Ben is calling for donations from local businesses and those along the routes of his runs, to throw their support behind him in his fight against mental illness.
Local real-estate agents at Ray White Byron Bay have provided Ben’s first donation, giving $250 towards his cause. The Principal David Gordon eager to help and being a marathon runner himself, immediately got behind his cause.
“It’s great to see a young man with as much selfless ambition and drive to help others as Ben dose”
“It’s hard not to be inspired when you meet him and we were excited to be able to support such a worthwhile cause as Beyond Blue in our local area” , said Mr Gordon.
After taking Ray Whites donation to other businesses and calling on them to match it, Ben raised close to a $1000 in his first day.
This weekend the 14th and 15th February, Ben will run from Brisbane to Byron Bay to raise money for Beyond Blue.
Over the coming months he will be running from Byron to Bondi, then in winter from Broome to Byron.
Please get behind Ben and donate by going to this link: https://bsrf2015.gofundraise.com.au/payments/donate/page/323391
For ore information contact Shelly Oldham on 0402 730 691
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