Running for I am Hope
Craig Clark, Senior Firefighter at Wigram Station wants to bring the conversation to all fire stations around the country that it’s ok not to be ok.
To raise awareness about the effects of mental health issues, Craig – also known as Freddie – is gearing up for a 42km marathon in Queenstown in November. Craig has his own personal reason for his mission, and he is asking for support to help the I am Hope foundation.
Here is Craig’s story in his own words:
'I am Craig aka Freddie.
I am a Husband, Father, Brother and mate to many and in my line of work as a firefighter, both career and volunteer, we often see and are exposed to the effects of mental health issues that people are living with day in and day out and the pain it causes on everyone involved!!
December 2021 my own brother said goodbye to this world after a long battle with mental health.
Being the typical bloke, I bottled things up and didn’t talk about my feelings. If I didn’t talk about it, it felt like it wasn’t real and didn’t affect me. Its been a year now since his passing and I feel I need to stand up and do something for him and others to try and prevent this happening to others. Id like to bring the conversations to all fire stations around the country that its ok not to be ok!! As the big family that is FENZ is we should all be there for each other when its most needed, but also knowing that its ok to open up and talk to each other. Whether is around the mess table over a cup of tea or in the back of the truck on the way back from a call.
So, with that being my Why.
What can I do, not only for my brother, for me, for everyone! Let’s bring the conversations to the table! Let’s raise some money to get the most vulnerable people, our youth, the counselling they need. Let’s support I am Hope.
Let’s make this clear, I AM NO RUNNER. Until now.
This year I am going to run 42 Km at the Queenstown Marathon in November. For me this will not be an easy journey, but the need and want to raise any funds possible and awareness for this undervalued and under resourced cause, is strong and with your help to follow me, encourage me, and listen to my shit yarns along the way it will inspire me to get across the line.
I’m calling my journey 42forU. So, this 42 is for you brother Simon.
For anyone else who wants to jump on board the journey with their own personal “42forU” I encourage and challenge you to join me!
So please follow, share and join me along the way on Instagram or Facebook under “Freddies 42 for U, and if can spare a little change in what we know are tough times, please do via the give a little page link supplied below
Cheers team
Lets Go!'
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089305463460&mibextid=LQQJ4d(external link)
Instagram - @Freddies_42_for_u
Give a little for I Am Hope - https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/42foru-freddies-road-to-queenstown(external link)
Please remember there are wellbeing services available to you if you need them https://portal.fireandemergency.nz/how-do-i/safety-health-and-wellbeing/seek-wellbeing-support/
Craig and his family. L to R: Harper (9) Craig's wife Tess, and Frankie (6)