Matthew & ME

09/05/2026

Today we attended the Wits parkrun where the Get Back UP Challenge organised a double park run. 5km +5 km - all in aid of Mental health.

Donovan Shirley ia running a double comrades marathon in June in support of Matthew & ME and The South African Depression and Anxiety Group
Raising funds and awareness around depression and su***de and encouraging people to Get Back Up, Don is attempting the unthinkable.

You can also do hard things!

08/05/2026

07/05/2026

We are looking for volunteers to marshall for the WITS Park Run on Saturday 09 May.
WITS FOR GOOD.

We need quite a few volunteers for the Wits parkrun on 9th May. If you have never volunteered before how about giving it a try this Saturday. None of the roles are difficult and we’ll show you everything you need to do. Message us at [email protected] to let us know when you will volunteer. https://www.parkrun.co.za/wits/futureroster

07/05/2026

Join us this Saturday, 9 May, for an awesome autumn parkrun! 🏃‍♂️🍁

We’re excited to welcome Donovan Shirley from Get Back UP, who will be challenging participants to join him for a DOUBLE parkrun as part of his incredible journey to complete a double Comrades this year! 💪

The “Get Back Up” challenge is not your typical Comrades story - instead of simply lining up on race day, Donovan plans to start in Pietermaritzburg 12 hours before the official Comrades start, run down to Durban, and then turn around to complete the official Comrades Marathon route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg within the 12-hour cut-off time.

Come meet friends from and who are part of this inspiring journey of endurance, resilience, and mental health awareness.

📍 Details:
✅ Usual parkrun starts at 8am
✅ Stay for the “second lapper” in reverse starting at 9am
✅ Start & finish: Wits Club, bottom (northern) end of West Campus

📍 GPX route file: [Garmin Course GPX](https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/458560248?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

📖 Read more about Donovan’s journey here: [Get Back Up Challenge Story](https://buff.ly/34G8ysP?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Bring your friends and family, your running shoes, and your gees - let’s make it a special morning together!

06/05/2026

Saturday 09 May. Park run at 08h00 and reverse park run at 09h00.

Come and support &ME and South African Depression and Anxiety Group

06/05/2026

Double the distance. Double the purpose.
We’re coming together for something bigger than just a run.

Join us for the Get Back Up Double parkrun, start with one lap, and if you can, come back for the second. The one that reminds you that you’re stronger than you think. Bring your friends, your family, your people. Let’s show up for each other and for Mental Health.

05/05/2026

3 more days......to Lace Up For Mental Health on Saturday 09 May. Join The South African Depression and Anxiety Group and Matthew & ME and

One run is easy…
Getting back up to do it again is where it counts.

On 9 May at Wits Parkrun, we’re not just running once — we’re getting back up and doing it again.

🏃‍♂️ 08:00 – Normal Parkrun
🔁 09:00 – Double Run for the Get Back Up Challenge

You can join us for:
✔ The first run
✔ The second run
✔ Or both
🏁 OR volunteer to be a marshall.

The second run is where it gets meaningful — choosing to go again, even when you're a bit tired… just like life.

Bring a friend, bring your energy, and be part of something bigger.

💛 Find out how you can support the journey too🎗️

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group Matthew & ME The Sweat Shop

05/05/2026

Thank you to The Helpers for highlighting Matthew & ME .
Saving Lives, Bringing Hope, Starting honest, brave and courageous conversations.

***deprevention

Thank you, Matthew and ME, for joining The Helpers and believing in a collective place to highlight the good in South Africa.

Matthew and ME is an NPO created in memory of 16-year-old Matthew, who tragically lost his battle with depression.

The mission is to raise awareness about teen su***de, foster open conversations about mental health, and provide support for families navigating the challenges of depression or coping with loss.

Recognising the immense pressure teens often face in academics, sports, and other areas of life, we aim to teach young people that it’s okay to not be okay and to seek support from trusted individuals.

Through advocacy, education, and fundraising, we strive to keep Matthew’s memory alive and make a meaningful difference.

You can learn how to support the team here: https://thehelpers.co.za/listing/matthew-and-me/

04/05/2026

ON A DRIVE TO DO GOOD ⛳️

the999challenge and Matthew & ME will be hosting a fund-raising Golf Day on Sunday 07 June 2026 at Huddle Park Golf Club.

We would like to invite you to take the opportunity of being involved as a major sponsor in this event, which will go a long way in making the day a huge success for the999challenge and Matthew & ME

It is important for us to have sponsors and corporates on board, who support and contribute towards Awareness around Mental Health and Su***de Prevention.💛

We only have space for 56 players that will be playing on the day.

Funds raised from the day will be utilised to develop our Mental Health First Aid Courses and make Emotional/Distraction kits which can be donated to schools.

Please see below the areas we are requesting sponsorship for:
• A Financial Donation
• Corporate Gifts (56 x players)
• Prizegiving Prizes (56 players)
• Sponsorship of 4-Balls
• Hole Sponsorship (Financial or give away goodie bags)

Be part of something bigger than the game!

Email: [email protected]