Hi, I'm Matt. I'm fundraising for Thurrock & Brentwood Mind to help people struggling with their mental health.

From August 1st to August 31st, I'll take on the challenge of rowing 250,000 meters and biking 250,000 meters on an assault bike. That's half a million meters, 310.7 miles, or 500 km in 31 days. To put it in perspective, it's the equivalent of traveling from Crossfit Thurrock to 25 miles north of Newcastle in the North East of England.

I'm doing this to challenge myself and to show that anyone can improve themselves physically and mentally through exercise.

For over 15 years, I have personally struggled with mental health issues, which have affected my physical health and led to other problems. I've been in dark places, from overdosing to self-harm. Although I still struggle at times, I am thankful for every day and continue to work on myself. I've come a long way, but there's still progress to be made.

In June 2017, I sought help through CBT with Inclusion Thurrock (working with Mind), and I have used mental health resources in Thurrock for as long as I can remember, including needing a counsellor back in secondary school.

In March 2023, I joined Crossfit Thurrock. It was a scary step to take, but to overcome anxiety, you have to face your fears. Training three times a week and recently starting running has been a positive experience.

I'm an open book and will gladly speak to anyone if they feel they need someone to speak to as we should all feel like we are valid. Most people, if not everyone will go through something in their lifetime and struggle with their mind which is why fundraising for Mind is most important to me.

Thank you to anyone and everyone who does anything within this challenge being coming along on the last day of August to get me across the line, to the people sharing the link/QR code and of course to the donators, it means a lot.

Matt. <3