GEW employee Jason has recently completed a 100-kilometre walking marathon, and has proudly raised over £2,500 in doing so. Jason’s original fundraising target was £500, and when GEW Directors Rob and Ele Rae matched this amount with a donation from GEW, Jason’s fund really took off.
He was inspired to take on the challenge for the benefit of Menshare Listening Group CIC, who recently helped him during a time of need following an unfortunate life event which led to a prolonged period of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Jason decided to get up and get out there, to raise awareness as well as raising funds for a vital cause.
Jason’s 100 kilometre route began at GEW Headquarters in Crawley, West Sussex, in the mid-afternoon. He began by walking with a GEW colleague to Horsham, and then continued alone into the night, heading towards Lancing on the South Coast. He had the reassurance of vehicle backup throughout the night as he was closely supported by another GEW co-worker. Jason’s sister accompanied him for further moral support at 2am and he went on to meet another GEW supporter at 4am, who walked with him back to Horsham and then rejoined him for the final, weary mile up to his finishing point back in Crawley.
Jason completed the first 50 kilometres of the route within 10 hours, and he was both elated and exhausted after completing the entire walk within 22 hours. He explains the inspiration and motivation behind his achievement: “Mental health struggles can be incredibly isolating. You can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone. You can be smiling on the outside while fighting battles no one else can see.”
He continues: “I did this to raise awareness and support for Menshare Listening Group… a space where people can talk openly, be heard without judgment, and not feel so alone in their struggles. Because sometimes, being listened to can save a life… and if taking on this challenge has helped even one person feel less alone, then every step was worth it.”
Ele Rae, HR Director at GEW, comments: “We wholeheartedly congratulate Jason for his fantastic achievements, both on completing such an arduous walk and on raising such a huge sum of money for a great cause. It’s also something to be recognised and admired, it can be very difficult to talk openly about mental health issues and we’ve supported him throughout. Jason is really leading from the front to advocate openness, and to support others.”
