Hinano Andrews

I'm fundraising for mental health

My Dad had Bi Polar and this was a formative part of my life as a child. Growing up with a parent with a mental illness was challenging but it taught me empathy and compassion. My Dad was our hero and incredibly resilient and brave. 

Our country is working hard but there are miles to go before we can sleep. I believe the stigma and preconceived ideas around him having a mental illness played into how he was treated through the health system, contributing to his late cancer diagnosis and eventual death. 

Mental Illness also impacts the lives of others in our Wh?nau so I am fundraising for them and for the people I have seen lose their fight against their illness, far too early. 

I will be running the half marathon with my youngest son, who is named for my Dad. We are going to aim for a sub 2:00 including milk stops!

I'm helping raise money and awareness for mental health because nearly 50% of New Zealanders will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime, and I don’t want them to face it on their own.

Your donation will help the Mental Health Foundation provide people with free information, resources and campaigns covering the A-Z of mental health and wellbeing topics. It will also help them advocate for helpful and hopeful policies and services for people living with mental illness.

So please show your support and donate to my page today. Every little bit counts!

Thank you in advance,

[your name]

MAURI TU, MAURI ORA.