Friends Unite in 100 Push-Up Challenge to Boost Men’s Mental Health

A group of 14 friends from Nuneaton has embarked on a month-long challenge, committing to complete 100 push-ups daily to raise funds for mental health awareness, specifically focusing on men’s health. This initiative coincides with November’s “Movember” campaign, known for its moustache-growing challenge, but these friends chose a different approach to advocate for mental health support.

Alex Noden, who spearheaded the challenge, was inspired after witnessing the impact of mental health issues on their community. “We have had a couple of friends who took their own lives quite recently,” he shared. The idea for the push-up challenge emerged when they spotted it on social media last month, prompting a collective decision to participate. “We just saw this challenge and decided to do it together.”

The group began their journey on November 1. Participants include Greg Matthews, Jamie Higgins, and Bevan Collin, among others. Their aim is to creatively approach the challenge, culminating in a final group event where they will perform their push-ups in unison, resembling a “Mexican wave.” “All of us in the same place, seeing the challenge off together,” Noden explained.

The challenge has proven to be demanding, even for those accustomed to fitness routines. “Some days are better than others; some you really struggle,” Noden noted. A mix of fitness levels exists within the group, with some members having experience in charity boxing, while others are less active. “There are some lads who work and then come home and chill, but they are still doing it,” he added.

To keep motivation high, participants are sharing daily videos of their push-ups in a dedicated WhatsApp group. “We had one lad who missed a day as he had been out, so we made him do a forfeit. We are trying to keep it fun, as it can be tough going some days,” Noden remarked.

Initially, the group set a modest fundraising goal of £250, but their efforts have resonated widely, leading to over £2,200 raised so far. Donations are pouring in from friends, family, and local businesses, including the Prince of Wales pub on Arbury Road, which hosted a collection for the cause.

“Our aim is to raise as much as we can and to shine a light on men’s mental health and suicide awareness,” Noden stated. The initiative has also gained traction on GoFundMe, with the Nuneaton group currently leading in donations among participants nationwide.

As the challenge progresses, the friends remain committed to their goal while fostering a community dialogue about mental health. Those wishing to support the cause can find the GoFundMe page linked through local news sources.