Much of my working life has involved helping young people find confidence and connection, first in the classroom and now through sport and community programmes. Running has become another way for me to do that, while supporting causes that mean something to me personally.

In 2015, I tore my ACL and lost the routine and outlet that sport had given me. Later that year, my nana, who lived next door to me, passed away. A month later, my cousin, who was one of the closest people in my life, died at just 21.

I spent the next few years feeling lost and unsure of where I was heading. Eventually, running gave me something to work towards. It helped me build a routine, find a sense of purpose and turn my energy towards helping others.

Since then, I've run 2,300 kilometres in a year raising money for the charities closest to my heart, completed seven marathons in seven days for underprivileged youth and tackled a 100-kilometre run at Piha, raising money for charity along the way.

The MITEY Run brings together those experiences and my work with young people. I know how much it can help to have something to work towards and people around you. By sharing my story and inviting others to share theirs, I hope we can help more young people feel comfortable talking about what they're going through.

The only way out is through.