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“My Dad was a proud Scotsman and a loving, generous man. But beneath the fun-loving exterior he was battling a storm he never shared.”
Imogen Sharp, 25 is attempting to run a 60km ultra-marathon later this month to help shine a light on men’s health for Movember.
On November 23, Imogen will attempt the biggest physical challenge of her life and is hoping it will start some life-saving conversations.
Imogen explains: “When I was 9 years-old I lost my dad to suicide. Something I now realise is so preventable. He was only 48.
“Throughout my childhood he was a very happy, loving and generous man. As atrue Scotsman, he was very proud, maybe too proud. Beneath that exterior was a storm he never shared. Like many men, he carried the weight of the world alone, believing that vulnerability wasn’t an option.”
It is a desire to shine a light on men’s mental health and suicide prevention that has inspired Imogen, an ICU nurse, to attempt her 60k ultra-marathon.
“I chose 60k to represent the 60 men who lose their life to suicide every 60 seconds globally and I am going to attempt it all in one go, to really push myself.”
Imogen lost her Glaswegian father to suicide at a young age, so she knows the affect this can have on young people growing up. Something she feels passionately about tackling.
“Men’s mental health is often overlooked, and society rarely gives men permission to express their emotions. As a result, men are far less likely to reach out when they need help. This Movember I’m running to break the stigma, to encourage conversations, and to remind everyone that it’s okay to reach out for help. Suicide is preventable, and sometimes all it takes is someone checking in, someone saying, “I’m here”
Imogen features in a new short film clip ‘CALL FROM A STRANGER’ where she meets fellow runner Katy Martins who also lost her dad to suicide at a young age. The emotional film highlights the importance of exercise, opening up and seeking help for mental health. Watch the video here
This year marks 21 years of Movember raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancers. Men’s health is a national concern. Men are dying on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons with 60 men every 60 minutes losing their life to suicide.
For more information, go to www.movember.com
