An islander is turning a personal breakthrough with nasal breathing into a fundraising challenge for ADHD Jersey.
Will Crawford, also known as ‘Bare Wills’, will run a half-marathon followed by a full marathon with his mouth taped shut, completing the challenge using only nasal breathing.
The fundraiser is inspired by the techniques he uses to manage his ADHD and is designed to highlight both the mental and physical discipline involved.
He said: “Running has always been a form of therapy for me.
“I don’t enjoy it much but the feel good factor makes it so worth it – it’s like venting to a psychologist in my head.”
Mr Crawford said he is taking on the challenge to stand in solidarity with islanders living with ADHD, many of whom are described by the non-profit organisation as having spent their lives trying to “breathe” in a world that does not always understand them.
He added that nasal breathing feels instinctive to him and has been “game-changer” for managing his ADHD as well as “helping with focus, clarity, emotional regulation, and mental wellbeing”.
“This marathon is a reminder that resilience isn’t about pushing harder, but learning better ways to support our brains and bodies,” he said.
“Nasal breathing just feels natural as it’s the organ we were born to breathe with after all.
“I see runners every day with their mouths open like they’re catching flies. It just goes to show how hard it is to breathe through your nose when running if you’re not a ‘natural’ nose breather.
“Some people can’t walk a 5k just nasal breathing, let alone run it, so I knew this would be a challenge that grabbed people’s attention.”
Despite having already completed several 10ks using the technique, he admitted it has not been as easy as he was expecting.
Mr Crawford will take on the marathon on 26 April.
As well as donations, he is encouraging others to get involved physically.
He said: “Keep an eye out for my announcements on socials – I’m going to be asking people to do legs of the run with me.
“Hopefully they’ll tape their mouths too!”
Explaining his decision to support the organisation, he said: “ADHD Jersey offers help that is as important as any other organisation, and as someone who has struggled with the disorder for many years, I know how important the support is and the courses that are on offer.”
ADHD Jersey described Mr Crawford as “strong, determined, inspiring and a true champion for the ADHD community.”
It continued saying that “his courage sends a powerful message to every adult and child with ADHD: keep pushing, keep believing, keep going.”
Mr Crawford’s fundraising target is £1,000.
Islanders can donate here.