(Picture caption: Emmerson Toomaga, left, and her good friend take a well-earned break after running to raise awareness for Movember.)
The drive to finish a 60-kilometre marathon is clear and simple for Emmerson Toomaga: “I’m doing this to show my love and appreciation for all the men in my life”.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples policy analyst, who hails from Porirua, has made it her mission to gather as much support as possible to highlight the importance of men’s health and wellbeing.
November (aka Movember) is the month of the year where individuals, charities and experts alike come together to highlight the biggest health issues facing men: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
This year, Emmerson has decided to put her favourite pastime – running – to good use by taking part in the Movember kaupapa.
She is running 60km throughout November and is also taking part in a 10km run on November 25.
Emmerson is calling for donations towards her cause or anyone who wants to run alongside her.
“This cause is to raise money for all the dads, brothers, sons and mates in our lives and support men’s mental health,” Emmerson says.
“It is a kaupapa close to my heart and is also something I know is close to many people.
“The number 60 represents the 60 men suicide takes globally every hour, and the number 10 represents the one in 10 men around the world living with an anxiety disorder.
“I see this as such a simple thing for me to do to show my love and appreciation for all the men in my life, normalise conversations around men’s mental health and provide financial support to all the brave men who reach out for help.”
If you would like to help Emmerson raise money towards her 60km Movember run, you can donate HERE.
It’s also not too late to sign up for her team’s fundraising group.
There are 43 people so far taking part in the 10km run on November 25, and the aim is to try and get reach100 participants.
You can register for the run HERE.
“Thank you for your support, and even if this message inspires you to check in on the males in your life, then job complete,” Emmerson says.
Visit the Movember website for more information about men’s health awareness initiatives.