48 For A Mate: Northern beaches trio to take on gruelling physical challenge to support mental health
It’s a gruelling physical challenge — strenuous exercise every four hours over two days. A trio of northern beaches locals have designed the “48 For A Mate” concept to raise money to support mental health.
Manly
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Do you think you’re pretty fit?
And do you want to support an organisation that is helping people on the northern beaches cope with mental health issues during the COVID-19 crisis?
Well, now’s your chance.
Husband and wife personal trainers on the northern beaches and a popular Channel 7 news reporter are taking on a fitness challenge — a series of strenuous exercises and activities every four hours, for a staggering 48 hours.
Kristy Battaglia, her husband Mike and Ch7’s Peter Fegan, who lives in the area, want to raise money, and awareness through their “48 For A Mate” concept.
They want to collect at least $10,000 for LIVIN, a group set up to break the stigma around mental health by “connecting, supporting and encouraging one another to talk about their feelings and challenges”.
On the last weekend in October — from noon October 23 to noon October 25 — the trio will attempt to complete an activity every four hours for 48 hours.
The punishing schedule includes 5km runs (including one at midnight); a 20km indoor exercise cycle and a run, four times up and back one of the steepest streets on the northern beaches, Alexander St at Collaroy.
48 For A Mate is also open to the public either by joining the trio on one or more of the 13 legs of the challenge, or doing some of the exercises at home and sending them a video that they will share with their followers.
They can take a maximum of 10 people per activity for the 13 activities.
And of course, everyone can help by donating to the cause and helping them reach their $10,000 target.
“Growing up, a number of my family members had awful mental health issues,” Mr Fegan said. “In those days, we knew nothing about the demons they faced each day.
“It is so important that we continue to raise awareness. As a society, we desperately need to know more, we need to educate ourselves and get a better understanding of how sufferers feel each day.
“I want sufferers to know, even though there are people that don’t struggle the way you do, we still want to help you.”
Mr Fegan is expecting that he and the Battaglias will be feeling tired, sore and mentally exhausted throughout the challenge.
“And that’s how a lot of people feel every day. We all felt it was important to feel how these people feel regularly.
“We want people to get involved. Even if you don’t do the whole thing, just do a couple of the legs.
“Send us a video and we will share it with the world. This is all about bringing people together as it is to raise money and awareness”
Ms Battaglia said during the Covid crisis she has had many conversations with people from all circumstances and backgrounds who were struggling with their mental health.
“We all know the benefits of exercise for our mental health and so Pete, Mike and myself created “48 for a Mate”. It includes all of the things that positively help with our mental health like exercise, social interaction, and a sense of community.”
Ms Battaglia said when she 14, she started receiving treatment for an eating disorder which saw her weight drop to 37kg.
“This was a very dark period in my life. Without the help of my family and mental health care professionals I am not sure I would still be alive today.
“People need to know that they are not alone and there is help available and that someone cares.”
For more information go to the 48 For A Mate Facebook page: www.facebook.com/48foraMate
And to donate go to: