Episode Twenty Seven : Matt Wallbank - Running for Hope

Reel Tails with Sweens - Podcast By Dwayne Sweeney

Episode Twenty Seven :

This episode I sit down and chat with Matt Wallbank.

Matt is taking on the monumental task of running 654 km during the month of October 2021. This is 1 km for every suicide in New Zealand last year.

A number that is far to high.

His motivation for doing so is to help raise funds and awareness for I am Hope. I am Hope connect the youth of New Zealand with mental health counsellors and practitioners, so they can get timely support, without the added stress of how to pay the bill.

During this podcast we discuss a range of topics and get to know Matt himself and his motivating factors to take on such a challenge.

We also discuss some of his personal struggles, the support network he has, the importance of gratitude, the gift of giving and so much more.

@matt_wallbank

Listen now on your favourite platform

Show Notes:

2:42 - Introduction, the task at hand and how it came about

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7:50 - Normalising conversation and importance of inclusion

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10:56 - Who is Matt Wallbank and The starters foundation

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18:04 - The power in doing something for others

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21:20 - The traction and support that it is already building, the people reaching out to Matt that have been affected by suicide

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24:04 - How we deal with suicide in the media and how do we normalise it if we don’t acknowledge it when it happens

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28:03 - The support from the Cane family and how their Deer Velvet capsules are the secret to success

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30:55 - The preparation phase of training and his huge month of August, doing something shit every day and the importance of it, also importance of enjoying the moments in life

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38:26 - The gratitude from giving and how powerful that is

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42:27 - Matt’s sporting background, the power of the mind, doing something shit everyday

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48:44 - The reach that he is starting to have into the community and the support coming in, his 4x4x48 run challenge to raise funds for the starters foundation

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53:08 - Where he will be running in Hamilton, people can join in and run with him to support

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56:44 - Good George and their support of the cause

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59:00 - The excitement is real for the month ahead, how to support starters foundation, being a product of your environment

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1:02:41 - The adversity Matt faced last year and how he came through that better for the experience

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1:10:53 - His final preparation and his biggest fear while he is running

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1:14:25 - Final thoughts and how to donate