Industry man Christopher Rodgers is currently undergoing a mission to run 500 miles in full PPE gear, all to raise money for the mental health awareness charity “Mates in Mind”.
Rodgers goal is to help develop the conversation about suicide and mental health within the industry. Stating that working in construction can come with various stressors which can significantly contribute to an individual’s mental state. The inspiration for this challenge came after seeing the statistics of suicide in the industry and in particularly in young men, which made him think… “What if I was to end my own life, who would look after my daughter?” He knew something needed to change.
Christopher currently works as a safety lead for Ethical Power, having been there for seven years, prior to ten years’ service in the military. He believes that not all companies within the industry offer the necessary resources for mental health awareness stating, “People on site do not always know what they need to know and what to do to get help.”
He believes that legislation is not specific enough on mental health wellbeing requirements, and that companies need to educate themselves on how to deal with people in crisis. Giving them the knowledge necessary to spot symptoms of those struggling around them.
So far in his challenge, Christopher has raised an impressive £3,000, with the overall goal of £50k.
The plan is to run a total of 500 miles, with each mile representing a life lost each year to suicide in the construction industry. He has currently completed 35 miles… in full PPE gear.
Christopher acknowledges that running long distances in PPE gear is extremely difficult, with the attire getting heavier and more uncomfortable the harder you run, with no real room for ventilation. However, and perhaps surprisingly the hardest item of clothing to run in is gloves, as he cannot feel the wind in his hands, a complete contrast to regular marathon running.
Christopher concluded “The charity “Mates in Mind” does an amazing job working across the industry undertaking proactive and progressive work to help improve mental wellbeing and reduce industry numbers. Their knowledge on spotting signs and symptoms is vast, a knowledge and understanding they use to help to educate the industry through numerous targeted courses and communications.
We wish Christopher all the very best in his endeavor, we have no doubt, having spoken with him, that he will succeed in further breaking down the stigma of mental health and encouraging people to talk about how they feel to others. Whilst making sure more employees are checking up on their colleagues.
If you would like to help an industry colleague with his cause you can do so here.
Donate to Christopher’s page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/500miles500lives?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Follow his journey here: