Medical students go the extra mile
Four Year 4 NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine students will trek 250 km as part of the Sahara Race 2016 from 1 to 7 May to raise $50,000 for mental health awareness.
“While running a 250km race may never put us exactly in the position of those struggling with chronic mental illnesses, we hope, through this race, to experience the same tenacity, struggles and mental strength that they have to summon to get through every day while coping with the illness,” said Jon Tan, the team’s publicity manager.
Jon, together with Nicholas Eu, Stephen Hwang and Jonathan See, otherwise known as Mental Muscle, decided to do more for mental health awareness after their psychiatry medicine posting. That placement reinforced their belief that they could play their part to combat the social stigma associated with mental illnesses.
Their efforts have garnered the interest of Singapore marathoner, NUS alumnus Dr Mok Ying Ren (MBBS 2012), who supports their cause. When the idea was hatched in August 2015, the undergraduates decided to reach out to Dr Mok as they admired his discipline and tenacity in putting his medical career on hold to pursue his dream of qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympics. Dr Mok promptly responded to their email with a well-designed training plan and connected the students with his own sponsors, said Jon.
The Namib Desert, where the race will be held this year, weathers extreme temperatures, ranging from 0 deg C to 35 deg C. Dr Mok devised a plan that addresses challenges associated with the desert race — the dry and hot climate, which increases the risk of dehydration and heat-related injuries; and the sandy terrain. The latter makes the race especially trying, as each participant is required to carry his or her own supplies of about 10kg.
“I really want them to be successful in this possibly once in a lifetime adventure. I believe the younger generation should not be afraid to take up challenges that they are passionate about and not conform to society’s norms of just completing an education and getting on with life,” explained Dr Mok.
From left: Stephen, Nicholas, Jonathan and Jon are raising funds and awareness for mental health illnessses
So far, Mental Muscle has raised about 25 per cent of its targeted amount. Until 31 March, the government will match donations, dollar for dollar, under the Care & Share scheme. Proceeds from the race will be used by the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) for public awareness and education, as well as vocational training. Cash donations to SAMH will also receive a tax exemption of up to 300 per cent. Those who wish to donate to Mental Muscle’s cause can do so at their website.
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