Support pushing us on
Over the last few weeks there’ve been multiple examples of the power of support from others, across sport, adventure, work, and home life. This phrase summarises support perfectly:
“Every cheer is like a shot of caffeine”
The London Marathon – over 56,000 people ran 26.2 miles through the streets of London at the end of April. Every runner we’ve spoken to or seen interviewed has referenced the crowds: ‘the support got me through’; ‘strangers were cheering my name’; ‘the noise was incredible’; ‘I loved seeing my family’. At best, these runners would have seen their nearest and dearest three times, but it was the support of strangers that encouraged them to keep ticking off those miles in pursuit of the finish line.
Our Co-Founder, Kenton Cool, is currently on expedition, attempting his 19th summit of Mount Everest. While impossible for supporters to line the route (not enough food trucks or portaloos!), he feels hugely supported by his family, friends and followers, all who’ve taken the time to make contact and wish him well, to check-in with him while he waits for weather windows, and to track his progress. He’s also very vocal about the support of the Sherpas, the basecamp team (especially the cooks!), and other mountaineers around him – climbing Everest would be nearly impossible without this support.
So, where did we hear the wonderful phrase above?
It comes from Dr Sarah Ruggins who is, as we publish, attempting to achieve the World Record for cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End….. and back again. A journey of 2,700km through all the weathers that the UK can throw at her (sunshine, crosswinds, headwinds and thunderstorms, so far). The record is 5 days 18 hours and 3 minutes, and she is currently on track to beat it after some incredibly quick riding (600km in the first 24 hours!!). Sarah started in John O’Groats at 8am on Sunday morning, made it to Land’s End on Tuesday afternoon, and is now on her way back up the country (track her here). She has been overwhelmed by the number of people supporting her and turning up on the side of the road to give her a cheer as she passes, crediting each cheer as a shot of caffeine. Sarah told us about her far from conventional journey to cycling on Cool Conversations last year, check out the episode here.
Importantly, this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week has a theme of ‘community’ which encompasses support, empathy, understanding and compassion. From the Mental Health Awareness Week website: “Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.”
The value of support should not be underestimated and comes in many different forms – a kind word, listening without judgment, a cheer, a cup of tea, a dog walk, an offer of help, some childcare, a text message, opening a door, or carrying a bag. Who would value your support this month?
“Every cheer is like a shot of caffeine”
Article image credit: James Busby Images
