An islander with ADHD is preparing to run a half-marathon every day for 50 consecutive days to raise money for a non-profit organisation that helped him finally “unmask” after years of hiding his true self.
Shane Wridgway will begin the challenge on 1 May, marking the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, and will finish on 20 June by completing the Island Walk on day 51.
The challenge – which he is calling ‘Chasing Dopamine One Step at a Time’ – aims to raise funds and awareness for local non-profit organisation ADHD Jersey.
“For most of my life, I knew I felt different”
“For most of my life, I knew I felt different but didn’t know how to express or understand it,” he explained. “Keeping everything inside became emotionally overwhelming and exhausting.”
It was only the past year, after properly researching ADHD for the first time and connecting with the organisation, that Shane began to understand himself better and slowly step out of his comfort zone.
“This challenge is my way of officially unmasking and coming out of that bubble for the first time,” he said.
“It represents a personal decision to stop hiding and to be open about my journey, while also promoting awareness around ADHD and everything that comes with it.”
Originally planning to run for 30 days, he decided to extend the challenge so it could end with what he hopes will be a powerful shared community moment.
“The final day is designed to bring people together,” said Shane.
“My hope is to see as many people as possible walking alongside me around the island – friends, families, supporters and anyone who wants to be part of something positive.
“What I dream of most is reaching the finish line and seeing people there cheering, not just for me, but for awareness, for acceptance and for everyone living with ADHD.”
“Running and movement help regulate my mind”
Shane said movement has become his way of regulating his mind.
“I’m currently not medicated, so running and movement help regulate my mind, which is where the slogan ‘Chasing Dopamine One Step at a Time’ comes from,” he said.
“Each step helps quiet the noise and brings balance.”
Shane has chosen to complete the challenge during Mental Health Awareness Month after watching friends suffer.
“These experiences deeply shaped me and are part of the reason I want to raise awareness and encourage more open conversations around mental health,” he said.
“This challenge is also in their memory and for anyone silently struggling.”
Shane hopes the fundraiser will also improve understanding of the emotional intensity often experienced by people with ADHD.
“People with ADHD often experience emotions very intensely,” he said, explaining that feelings such as rejection, failure, love or disappointment can be felt on a much deeper level – often impacting confidence and mental well-being.
“ADHD is far more than just losing focus”
Shane added: “ADHD is far more than just losing focus, it comes with deep emotions, challenges, strengths and resilience that many people don’t fully see or understand.”
As well as donations, he said the biggest support people can offer is understanding and presence.
“The greatest support people can give is simply showing up, walking alongside me during parts of the challenge, starting conversations about ADHD, sharing the message and helping create a more understanding and accepting environment for everyone,” he said.
“This challenge is about connection as much as endurance and reminding people that they belong.”
ADHD Jersey said Shane’s commitment to the challenge demonstrates that “extraordinary things happen when people believe in yourself”.
The organisation said he is “proof that with passion and purpose, the impossible suddenly becomes possible” and that he “isn’t just pushing limits, he’s smashing through them”.
Shane’s fundraising target is £6,000.
Islanders can donate here.