Gulls fan Zak is heading to Sweden to raise funds for CALM
Torquay United is backing another one of its loyal supporters, Zak Mealing, as he takes part in the Uppsala Marathon in Sweden on October 26th 2024 in order to raise funds for suicide prevention charity, CALM.
CALM, or the Campaign Against Living Miserably to give them their full name possess a wide range of tools and resources to help people find the support they need, including a prominent and life-saving helpline for people who can’t see a way forward, have lost someone to suicide, or are worried about their friends or loved ones.
Ahead of the marathon, Zak told us a bit about his upcoming test, and why supporting CALM mean so much to him.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health but still doesn’t get the attention and funds it needs. You never truly know what someone else is going through and current waiting lists for those struggling make it harder than ever for people to receive the support they desperately need. Exercise isn’t just about improving your physical health but also your mental health too. It is a tool that I use continuously as an escape from day to day life and helps me to be the best version of myself.
“Raising money for CALM, by running the Uppsala marathon, is important to me because I want to try everything in my power to help anyone who is struggling. Suicide is the biggest killer of people under 35 and the biggest killer of men under 50 and yet the support still isn’t there for those who need it, so we have to support each other. Speak to your loved ones and ask how they are, check in on the Yellow Army around you at games. You never know how much a simple conversation can impact someone’s day.
“Any donation would mean the world to me and anyone who is struggling. It will show them they’re not alone and that support is out there.”
Having already smashed through his initial target of £500 via his online JustGiving page, Zak is now looking to raise even more funds in order to help provide support to those who need it, when they need it most.
Supporters can support Zak’s fundraising attempt via his JustGiving page HERE.
If you, or someone you know, needs help, CALM’s free helpline can be accessed from 5pm – midnight every day by calling 0800 58 58 58.
Alternatively help can be obtained by visiting their website or Live Chat service HERE
Best of luck, Zak!