MP takes on 48-hour challenge

Brothers and Saints Fitness Rangiora owners Ash (left) and Aaron McConville check out Waimakariri...
Brothers and Saints Fitness Rangiora owners Ash (left) and Aaron McConville check out Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey’s form on the bike.Photo: David Hill / North Canterbury News
Matt Doocey’s latest challenge is set to test him mentally and physically.

The Waimakariri MP has signed up for a 48-hour gym workout this weekend to raise funds for the Mental Health Foundation.

Organised by Saints Fitness in Rangiora, participants will be doing a 45-minute workout every four hours, completing a range of challenges over a 48-hour period.

As the Opposition’s mental health spokesperson, Mr Doocey said when he heard about Saints Fitness’ fundraiser he could not wait to sign himself up.

"As a very public advocate for mental health, I thought I’d better put my money where my mouth is and fully commit to the cause.

"I’m sure I will be suffering at the end, but there are plenty of people suffering far longer with depression and other mental health issues."

The fundraiser has been organised by gym owners and brothers Ash and Aaron McConville, who are fast closing in on their target of raising $50,000.

The brothers said they were moved to organise the fundraiser as so many of their gym members have been touched by mental health crises.

"Over the last four years in our industry we are not just trainers, but psychologists. We get a much bigger insight into people’s lives," they said.

But Mr Doocey encouraged people to continue donating throughout Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday, October 2.

The proceeds will go to support the Mental Health Foundation.

"The work carried out by the Mental Health Foundation and other organisations like Wellbeing North Canterbury saves lives," Mr Doocey said.

The ‘‘Saints Fitness 45 x 4 x 48 Challenge’’ runs from 6pm tomorrow (Friday, September 30) to Sunday at 6pm.

Participants have been divided into the Red and Blue teams, with Mr Doocey relieved to be in the Blue team.

The public is invited to come and watch at Saints Fitness, 5 Kingsford Smith Drive, Rangiora.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.