Friends Unite for 100-Push-Up Challenge to Support Men’s Mental Health

A group of friends in Nuneaton has embarked on a month-long challenge to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health. This initiative, which kicked off on November 1, 2023, involves completing 100 push-ups every day throughout the month. The group, consisting of 14 friends, aims to support the charity MIND, which focuses on mental health issues.

The challenge was inspired by a social media trend that highlighted the importance of mental health, particularly among men. One of the organizers, Alex Noden, shared that the motivation stemmed from personal experiences. “We have had a couple of friends who took their own lives recently,” he explained. When they discovered the 100 push-ups challenge on Instagram, they decided to participate collectively.

Team Effort and Creativity in Fitness

Each participant in the group, which includes friends like Greg Matthews and Jamie Higgins, has adopted their own approach to meeting the daily target. Some have prior experience with fitness challenges, while others are less accustomed to regular training. “There are some lads who just work and then come home and chill,” Noden noted. “They are doing ten sets of ten a day, but they are still getting it done.”

To keep morale high, the friends share videos of their push-ups on a WhatsApp group to motivate one another. “We had one lad who missed a day as he had been out, so we made him do a forfeit,” Noden mentioned. The group strives to maintain a light-hearted atmosphere while tackling the physical demands of the challenge.

On the final day of the challenge, they plan to gather together to complete one last set of push-ups in unison, creating a visual display of camaraderie and support. “We are all going to get together in one big line, like a Mexican wave of push-ups,” Noden explained.

Significant Fundraising and Awareness Efforts

Initially, the group set a modest fundraising goal of £250. However, they have far surpassed that target, raising over £2,200 so far, with additional pledges expected. Their efforts have garnered support from friends, family, and local businesses, including the Prince of Wales pub, which has facilitated a collection bucket for donations.

“We just want to raise as much as we can and raise some awareness about men’s mental health and suicide at the same time,” Noden emphasized. Their fundraising efforts are also part of a broader national challenge hosted on GoFundMe, where the Nuneaton group is currently leading in total funds raised.

As the challenge unfolds, the friends remain focused on their dual mission of promoting mental health awareness and supporting those in need. Those interested in contributing to their cause can do so via their GoFundMe page.