21 half-marathons, 21 days: Burlington firefighter’s fundraiser for mental health

“I run to heal, and now I run to help others heal.”

Ryan Gallagher is a Burlington firefighter, father and mental health advocate. He is planning a marathon challenge this fall to raise money for Pathstone Mental Health.

The challenge will be 21 half marathons (21 kilometres) over 21 days starting on Sept. 21 to raise $21,000 for mental health.

Gallagher’s experience with mental health begins when his father died in front of him despite his efforts to perform CPR when he was just 16-years old. The day he begins his challenge is actually the anniversary of his father’s death.

The Grimsby resident says he never fully dealt with his grief instead turning to distractions and alcohol.

“I’ve been a fire fighter for 10 years. I see people at their worst. I see grief first hand and it made me realize I never dealt with my own,” Gallagher says in the promotional video for his fundraiser.

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Now almost two years sober, he hopes to inspire other people to care for their mental health and seek the help they need.

Gallagher says he started going to therapy and running and that this is what helped him to work through the pain he suppressed in his youth.

He hopes to inspire others to do the same.

Of the $21,000 goal, Gallagher has already raised $20,500 as of the last week of July 2. Donations are still gladly accepted and Ryan is happy to have people join him for his runs.

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