A local businessman is preparing to walk 500 miles up – the equivalent of trekking from Southampton to Edinburgh – up and down the avenue to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health in memory of close friends.
Paul Fox will complete 84 laps of the cycle path between St Aubin’s Village and St Helier from 1 to 18 September to raise money for Mind Jersey whilst challenging the stigma around men talking about their mental health.
Foxtrot500, inspired by the famed song by The Proclaimers, has been launched in tribute to close male friends he has lost to suicide – three of which have taken their own lives this year.
Mr Fox said the challenge was born out of a desire to improve awareness and break the silence around men’s mental wellbeing.
“Many men still struggle to talk openly about how they feel due to outdated stigmas surrounding masculinity,” he said.
“Us chaps tend to mask our issues and find it all difficult to discuss, whether its personal, financial, or physical. This challenge aims to change the narrative around this.”
Mr Fox is encouraging islanders and businesses to get involved in any way they can – whether that’s walking part of the route, donating, or doing a personal ‘500’ challenge of their own, such as swimming 500 metres or baking 500 cupcakes.”
“It’s a call to action,” he added.
“Men’s mental health is overlooked in so many ways, in particular men’s suicide awareness.”
Corporate Challenge Days are also planned, where businesses can field teams of up to ten people to walk alongside Mr Fox.
Participants will wear branded T-shirts and help raise funds for Mind Jersey.
The Foxtrot500 campaign will conclude with a fundraising ball at The Royal Yacht Hotel on 20 September.
DONATE…
All money raised will go to Mind Jersey, which provides mental health support and suicide prevention services across the island.
To donate, click HERE.