A nine-year-old boy from Warrington is set to complete a challenging triathlon to raise awareness for children’s mental health, in honor of Brianna Ghey, a transgender teenager tragically murdered last year. Harvey Goodman, inspired by Brianna’s mother’s advocacy for mental health, hopes to raise over £30,000 to support children’s mental health services.
Harvey’s Triathlon Challenge
Harvey Goodman, from Stockton Heath, has already raised an impressive £50,000 for various causes through past challenges. This weekend, he will take on a triathlon that includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 16-mile run. His aim is to raise significant funds for children’s mental health and wellbeing.
The young athlete was inspired by Brianna Ghey’s mother, who spoke about the importance of mindfulness at an awards event. Harvey shared that after hearing Brianna’s mother speak, he became very interested in mindfulness and mental health. He expressed his motivation for the challenge, saying that after losing someone very close to him, he wanted to do something big to honor them and make sure other children get the support they need.
Supporting Peace & Mind UK
The money raised by Harvey will benefit Peace & Mind UK, the charity founded by Brianna Ghey’s mother, Ms. Ghey. The charity focuses on promoting mental health awareness, equality, and inclusion. Ms. Ghey, who lost her 16-year-old daughter in a tragic stabbing in February 2023, praised Harvey for his efforts.
Ms. Ghey started Peace & Mind UK as a way to create something positive from her tragic loss. She explained that she did not want Brianna’s death to be for nothing and began the campaign to get mindfulness into schools.
Mindfulness and Resilience
Harvey’s commitment to raising awareness for mental health comes from his own personal experiences. Last year, his cousin Zak passed away from cancer. Harvey, who had been struggling with his grief, found comfort in mindfulness sessions offered at school.
Harvey’s mother, Naiomi Goodman, explained that when they found out Zak’s cancer had returned, Harvey received mindfulness sessions almost every day. She mentioned that Harvey was initially a broken child, but mindfulness helped him process his emotions and gave him strength.
What Harvey was able to do through these sessions was put his strength and determination into raising money and helping other children. He now wants every schoolchild to be able to receive mindfulness if they go through a difficult time.
The Triathlon Event
The triathlon will take place over the weekend, with Harvey, his mother, and Ms. Ghey participating in the swim at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub in Warrington. The cycling and running portions will start at Stockton Heath Primary School, and the challenge will conclude at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester on Sunday, May 4.
Harvey shared that the reason for ending the challenge at Old Trafford is simple: Manchester United is the best team in the world.
A Positive Legacy
The tragic murder of Brianna Ghey has sparked a positive movement through the efforts of Ms. Ghey and the support of people like Harvey. As her mother continues her work with Peace & Mind UK, she believes the charity is helping to spread positivity and mindfulness across schools.
In the face of personal hardship, Harvey’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience that mindfulness can provide. His triathlon challenge is not only a tribute to Brianna’s memory but also an important step toward raising awareness and support for children’s mental health.
As Harvey, Ms. Ghey, and their supporters gear up for this inspiring challenge, the community is rallying behind their mission to ensure that children everywhere have access to mental health resources, especially during difficult times.
