Support my 40km challenge for mental health research!

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Dr Gabriele Marranci

A tribute for Domenico Borsellino

I am running for my friend Domenico. We went to high school together, and he was one of my closest friends. Years later, he died by suicide, unexpectedly, just a few days after we had spoken. Today, I work as a counsellor, supporting people through some of the hardest moments of their lives, including those struggling with suicidal thoughts. So this run is personal. It is for Domenico, for the friend I still remember, and for all those who may be suffering in silence. One foot forward. For him.

Total Raised

$1,010

Total Distance

23km

Distance Goal

40km

Support My Walk for Mental Health Research

Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental illness each year?

This October, I’m taking part in One Foot Forward to help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide.

I'm walking to raise funds for Black Dog Institute to put ground-breaking new mental health treatment, education, and digital services into the hands of the people who need them most.

It would mean so much to me if you donated to support my walk.

Together, we can create better mental health for all Australians.

My Updates

Another leg of our 40km done with Mr B.

I have to say, one of the nicest parts of this challenge has been doing it together. Blitz and I already share a lot through training, obedience and sport, but this feels a little different. There is something about moving together, finding a rhythm, encouraging each other and just getting the kilometres done that makes this feel like our own little adventure.

I am also incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated, shared the page, sent a message or simply encouraged us along the way. Every bit of support has meant something.

This challenge started because of my friend Domenico. I often think about how different things might have been if, at that point in his life, he had been able to find more support, more hope, or just one more way through the pain he was carrying.

That is why every kilometre matters to me.

Mr B and I want to put some good energy into this. Into mental health. Into research. Into making sure that people who are struggling have more options, more support, and more reasons to stay.

So thank you to everyone walking this with us in one way or another.

Each step is a little more hope. And we still have plenty of steps to go.

Running with Mr B

First 6km done. and what a start.

Mr B and I started our One Foot Forward challenge with our first 6km run. He was very excited because he finally got to try his new Canicross harness. I think he was also slightly confused that, for once, I was not asking for a military heel. Blitz trains in obedience and a few other dog sports, so running freely in front of me is actually something we are working on. Apparently I now have to convince a dog trained to stay beside me that, yes, this time I really do want him in front. Then we reached the oval. Two people were running up and down ahead of us and I could almost see something switch on in his brain. Suddenly the powerful Mr B engine started. And off he went. For a short moment I found myself running at about 12 km/h, being pulled by what felt like a black locomotive. 😂 For someone who is much more of a weights person than a runner, that was an incredibly fast sprint. Mr B, meanwhile, looked as though he had finally discovered what the entire event was actually about. It started with a blast of energy, but somewhere in that run the emotions arrived too. I found myself thinking about my friend Domenico. I would have loved to have him there, watching this ridiculous scene. And maybe, in some way, he was. I could almost imagine him on his old Ciao scooter, laughing at me as we used to. That is why I am doing these kilometres. For Domenico, yes. But also for the people living with depression now, and for those who may be struggling much more than anyone around them can see. My target is $1,000 for Black Dog Institute. If you can support us, even with a few dollars, please do. Every contribution helps, and it gives a little more meaning to every kilometre Mr B and I put behind us. 6km down. Plenty still to go