TWO EXPATS’ RISE TO THE CHALLENGE. Whilst being passionate about PHYSICAL ENDURANCE and MAKING a DIFFERENCE they endeavour to COMBINE the two on their next adventure. Sam and Chris who are both “SPARKY’s” by trade will be running the 2023 SYDNEY MARATHON in FULL CONSTRUCTION PPE. WAW!!!!!!!!!! They are two strong ambassadors of MEN’s MENTAL HEALTH and rise to this Challenge to raise money for the fantastic “MONGRELS MEN COMMUNITY BASED CHARITY. They have decided that their mission on this occasion is to support this worthy cause and raise awareness to improve the physical and mental health of men through sports, fitness and exercise and make a difference to connect with the communities across Australia. They have chosen this challenge to highlight the hidden pressures that men with mental health endure in silence. The natural events after a hard days graft is to remove yourself from your work environment, which includes the removal of your PPE, but this is not always as easy as it sounds. Hidden pressures outside of work can be overwhelming and include family expectations and commitments/finances/anxiety/depression and other hidden pressures. To face these challenges can often be a difficult transition and the removal of their PPE after that arduous day at work can seem an impossible task in which they can feel trapped, with no way to get out of it and with nowhere to turn. To face these challenges can take its toll on their mental health, but with support, this can be achieved through charities such as Mongrels Men Charity. So lets talk and help men to remove their PPE and leave their work behind. In Australia, 9 people die every day from suicide. 7 of these are men. 1 in 3 men between the ages of 30-65 have no social connections. Why? Work, family commitments and expectations, finances, life challenges, anxiety & depression and other external pressures. It’s time to turn this around with your support. $50 Donation = Meet Up, Coffee & Conversation (10 men) $100 Donation = Meet Up, Coffee & Conversation (25 men) $250 Donation = Mental Health First Aid Training (1 Community Champion) $500 Donation = Social Soccer Ground Hire for 6 months (500 men) $1,000 Donation = Meaningful conversations workshops (200 men, 4 locations) $2,000 Donation = Launch 5 new regions with Community Champions