Charity
Mind has been speaking out for better mental health for 60 years and is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. At Mind, we work for a better life for everyone with experience of mental or emotional distress.
Please note Virgin Money Giving isn't responsible for the content fundraisers post on their pages, but if you see something you feel is offensive or inappropriate, please let us know and we'll look into it.
Black Dog Pushups
Black Dog Pushups had it's origins in my habit of doing pushups in public. Whenever I travel somewhere, I do pushups in iconic or unusual locations. It's one way to make you holiday snaps stand out.
Last year I was diagnosed with depression, and I've been engaged in a running battle against it since. I've had good days and bad days, but one thing that always seemed to help me keep the black dog at bay was getting regular exercise.
Eventually it struck me that as a man who loves pushups and hates depression, I could use one to fight the other. I started raising money for the Black Dog Institute in Australia by doing thousands and thousands of pushups in various cities across Australia.
In the process, I also highlighted the important role that exercise can play in coping with depression, and tried to reduce the stigma associated with it.
Now I am coming to London to raise funds for Mind, the mental health charity. My plan is to do 10 pushups every minute... for 12 hours.
That is how I fight my black dog. Exercise is my antidepressant. Pushups are my therapy.
If you or someone you know has struggled with depression, please donate to Mind so they can continue to help those in need.
Or if you are going to be in London on Thursday 7 June, feel free to come down and join me for a few sets!
You can follow my campaign on Twitter @blackdogpushups or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BlackDogPushups
Recent donors
|
Simon Hussey £20.00 (+ £5.00 giftaid) 13.06.12 Great to meet up with you at Bingham Cup |
|
Mark £164.00 09.06.12 To match the cash donations Bill received in London. |
|
Richard Lee-Heung £20.00 (+ £5.00 giftaid) 09.06.12 Bill, sorry I didn't get to meet you. Manchester was pretty full on and I live in Oxfordshire so could not get down to London. It is good to see a few Steelers support your great cause. |
|
Ian Chaplin £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 08.06.12 good on you, Bill. Sorry I wasn't able to get up to London yesterday to support you in person. |
|
Richard Potts £20.00 (+ £5.00 giftaid) 08.06.12 Hi Bill, You are a machine!x |
|
Tisha £50.00 07.06.12 You're an inspiration to others, Bill! |
|
Alasdair Stewart £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 07.06.12 Awesome effort! have been suffering for a month now, and you've inspired me to get back to the gym this evening |
|
Sophia Harrison £5.00 (+ £1.25 giftaid) 07.06.12 Good luck Bill!! Sorry we can't be there to cheer you on. You are amazing!! Big hugs Sophia & Ethan |
|
Tamara Hughes £15.00 (+ £3.75 giftaid) 07.06.12 Great job, Bill! |
|
Dan £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 07.06.12 Good Luck! Hope you raise a lot for a really worthwhile cause. |
|
Jay £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 07.06.12 It's 00.03 so is now the day. Good luck. Will pop along to laugh and point. |
|
Ahmed Yearwood £50.00 06.06.12 Bummed to have left London before the big event, but I'll be tracking your progress on Facebook! |
|
Backlit £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 02.06.12 A terrific idea, and a fabulous cause. Good luck, fella |
|
Derek £30.00 (+ £7.50 giftaid) 02.06.12 Great idea, great cause, all the best to you!! |
|
Anonymous £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 01.06.12 Wishing you luck and a lack of pigeons. RR. |
|
Jeffrey Scott £10.00 31.05.12 Good luck and thank you... |
|
Jo £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 27.05.12 What a fabulous cause. Go get 'em! |
