Locals run to raise awareness and funds for mental health

Over 100 runners took to the rugby fields at Pirates Club on 5 June for a relay event to support Henry Cock’s fundraiser in aid of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag).

The Circle Run began at 5am and ended just before curfew at 10pm, raising an impressive R227 782.50 in pledges to support Sadag’s suicide and depression helpline.

The fundraiser forms a small part of Cock’s Mentally Aweh fundraising efforts.

The Parkmore resident and member of Pirates Club will take on the Guinness World Record of running 133 consecutive half marathons over 133 days.

Speaking to the Gazette, Cock said that he aims to raise R4 million for the organisation by the end of his record-setting run.

Not being a serious runner before the start of this year, Cock explained that the journey was all about creating awareness and raising funds for the cause.

“Two years ago, family members of mine got cancer. Then my fiancé of 11 years cancelled on me and during the start of lockdown my business, which is in the restaurant industry, really struggled,” he explained, highlighting a dark time for him.

Cock decided to tackle the mammoth feat, taking inspiration from humanitarian and cancer research activist Terry Fox, who embarked on an east to west coast run to raise funds for cancer research in the 80s.

Cock will set off from Kosi Bay in KwaZulu-Natal on 8 July and run to Vioolsdrift in Namibia by 16 November.

He was shocked to hear the statistics of people who had struggled with depression and anxiety and had contacted Sadag for support during lockdown. “Funding is a small part of this for me. It’s largely about awareness. I believe we need to become a society that supports one another and shares our struggles. People need to learn that depression and anxiety are real and many do suffer.

“If all you do is check in on a friend who is struggling, that is a massive win.”

He added, “While the goal of running 21kms each day is not madly difficult, since many walks that distance and gain no recognition each day, it will be the thoughts of those who struggle to get out of bed each day that help me keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

Runner Sam Harrison, who started her run at Pirates Club at 5am on 5 June, said that she couldn’t feel her fingers due to the cold conditions. She said the event was a reminder of those who struggled with mental health during lockdown, which inspired her to take part.

To support the Mentally Aweh cause, follow @cock.henry on Instagram or donate on 

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