Monday, November 4, 2024

Record-Breaking GPS Art in South Wales Raises Awareness for Men's Mental Health

 

In a unique fundraising effort, Terry Rosoman, a 38-year-old marketing director from South Wales, created a record-breaking 75-mile GPS image of a penis on the exercise app Strava. This unusual art piece was designed to raise money and awareness for men's mental health issues as part of the Movember charity campaign.

Rosoman's impressive outline stretches from Hay-on-Wye to Abergavenny, following a winding route that includes Crickhowell and Llangenny. The ambitious project was completed in less than 24 hours, with Rosoman starting his journey at 5 PM on Friday at Abergavenny railway station and returning to the same location around 4:30 PM on Saturday.

He explained that he chose this humorous design to engage his target demographic, asserting that most men would find the shape "hilarious." Speaking about the challenge, Rosoman remarked, “It was really tough. The hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. It was just a hard slog for 24 hours.” He faced various obstacles, including running through the night in complete darkness and getting lost multiple times along the way.

The route required climbing a total elevation of 2,820 meters, which Rosoman described as particularly grueling. Despite the physical toll, he expressed relief at completing the feat, stating, “I’m just glad to get it done.”

The Movember campaign, which began 21 years ago, aims to raise awareness of men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and cancers affecting men, such as prostate and testicular cancer. By Sunday morning, Rosoman had successfully raised over £4,000, with a goal of reaching £5,000.

He highlighted the most challenging aspect of the run: navigating through “12 hours of pitch black” with heavy mist obscuring visibility. However, the emotional reward of crossing the finish line to the embrace of his wife and daughters made the effort worthwhile. “It was wonderful to see them run up and give me a hug,” he said.

Grateful for the support he received, Rosoman thanked everyone who joined him in the challenge and those who donated to his cause. He hopes his initiative will inspire other men to take on their own challenges, emphasizing the importance of setting ambitious goals that extend beyond personal enjoyment. “It’s about having aims and goals that are bigger than yourself, which can provide a sense of purpose,” he concluded.

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