A former WHL player and Kelowna resident is preparing for a 102 kilometer run, from Kelowna to Vernon and back, to help raise money for Kids Help Phone and mental health.
“I hit an all-time low in my life in July, and then it kind of extended over the course of months, and I figured what can I do that’ll give me a sense of reason and sense of life again?” said Lucas Cullen.
“If we are on ground zero, rock bottom, that we don’t have to stay there and we don’t have to do the alternative, which is obviously the extreme, and we can actually do something that will help us and change our alive.”
Cullen will be running Dec. 10 through the cold hours of the winter night to metaphorically represent the harshness of mental illness, which Cullen says is a key component to this important message.
“It was just about trying to do something at a time when it is most difficult, and hopefully that will relay my whole entire message the most, and to the most people and really allow it to hit home and have them question why on earth is he’s doing this. Hopefully they see why and that message shines through,” he added.
As Cullen gets ready to embark on this next chapter of his mental health journey, he has a message for those who find themselves in similar shoes.
“You just have to find something and maybe even some people, anyone you can relate to or relate with, and utilize those to actually give yourself a sense of life, find a sense of purpose in some form or at least just latch onto the things that make you somewhat happen and go with those. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
Cullen is encouraging the public to join him on his run as he aims to raise $5,000 for Kids Help Phone, and you can make a donation through their website.
The 23-year-old will begin his run at 11:11 pm at Prospera Place, following the Okanagan Rail Trail.
