Hundreds of people flock to Imagine

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/09/2014 (3497 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The 2014 Imagine Mental Health Run will bring hundreds of people to Niverville on tomorrow in an effort to support Eden Health Care Services while raising public awareness and erasing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide.

Mona Stott and her husband Jeff work tirelessly along with many volunteers to plan the marathon in memory of their son, Joey, who lost his life to suicide.

“The pain doesn’t go away,” said Mona. “Everyone has their way of coping. I walked a fine line of taking my own life. I put on a good persona. I’ve become a really good actor.”

She admitted to struggling in private, struggling in silence.

“Sometimes, the pain is too much; it’s just hard every day to function.”

Mona’s coping method is to put her heart and soul into events that give back.

“I run myself ragged to give back because I’m afraid of what the outcome might be if I don’t. I’m trying to advocate with people to get help; don’t be afraid to say you’re weak.”

The Imagine Run is in its seventh year and 800 to 1,000 people are expected to be running the streets of Niverville on Saturday. The weather looks to be much more favourable than it was last year with low temperatures, high winds and rain. Runners can expect temperatures in the mid-20s with a mix of sun and cloud.

Registration begins at 3 p.m. at the park. Runners/walkers will hit the pavement at 5 p.m.