It was launched in 2008 with a panel of experts selecting a list of potential inductees for athletics & running fans and members of the public to vote on.
The night brings together the great names of the sport, with those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, to celebrate the successes of athletics and running – the sport we all love.
The Awards Night on October 12th, saw some of the greatest athletes of all time gather to celebrate new inductees into the Hall of Fame. The event also incorporates the National Volunteer Awards – highlighting the fantastic contribution made by volunteers across the country. Louise Goddard, having won the North West Volunteer of the year award, was a finalist and eventual winner of the National Volunteer Awards championing the #mentalhealthmile.
Regardless of your age or ability, you can become part of #mentalhealthmile community; Louise and her team encourages more people to run, walk, talk and wheel via the one mile event organised on Sundays each month in 5 locations in the North West. The aim is to encourage people of all abilities and fitness to get together - families, the challenged, dogs, wheelchairs and prams. The 'mile' is particularly aimed at those who don't do much exercise or wish to start a healthier work/life balance; or those who may need support and encouragement as well as venues providing toilets, parking and water.
Mental fitness is the objective and by using exercise, group work and the safe environment of a traffic-free location, Louise, a long standing member of LMAC and respected athlete in her own right is enabling the more vulnerable in the community to come along and try something new, clients from local GP surgeries, the Crisis Team and loal agencies are often encouraged to attend. Such is the success of #mentalhealthmile LANCASTER that hosts from other communities in the area have volunteered their help -Team Shazann in Catterall, Walney Wind Cheetahs in Barrow and Jogging Pals in Kendal who also hold the #mentalhealthmile each month. This year alone, the #mhm has over 5,000 crossing the finish line, in times ranging from 6 to 90 minutes. This is an achievable and regular event for the first timers to get a certificate, memento and photos on the day as a further incentive. Donations on the day are taken, if affordable and this money is used to keep this fantastic event going and any surplus is given to the host's local mental health charities.
The mile event in each location has had a great impact on many local peoples lives already. The entrants have overwhelming support from our group of volunteers and the satisfaction of doing something like this in the public domain, at the same time each month, seeing familiar faces and earning a reward has proven to be a huge positive step for some.
This is an event that goes from strength to strength and #MHM events are now in the process of setting up other monthly one mile events in Shap, Preston and Leicester.
Join us at one of our events, please visit #mentalhealthmile events on Facebook or contact Louise on 07900011164
