For Derek von Sturmer, a turning point in his mental health journey began with a vivid memory of childhood happiness: the feeling of freedom and achievement he experienced competing in cross country as a youngster.
This powerful memory led him to stop at a sports store one night after work. He bought himself a full running kit – shoes, socks, shorts and a top – changed out of his suit, and embarked on a 14-kilometre run.
This was a pivotal moment for Derek. Over the previous 18 months his wellbeing was at a very low point, both professionally and personally.
After completing that spur of the moment run Derek made a promise to himself to be “a better father, a better husband, and to be the best version of myself.”
Just six weeks later, the Auckland real estate agent and father of three completed the 50-kilometre ultra-marathon at Lake Tarawera.
If you attempt something you genuinely believe is impossible and then achieve it, you realise anything is possible.
Running for change
Having discovered running was a way to prioritise his wellbeing, Derek wanted to inspire others to do the same, in whatever way worked for them. And that’s where the idea for a 24-hour run fundraiser for Pink Shirt Day came about.
He began his run at 8pm, finishing 24 hours later on Pink Shirt Day – an annually-celebrated day in May that aims to eliminate bullying by practising kindness and inclusion.
Over the 24-hour period, Derek ran an eight-kilometre loop around his Point Chevalier neighbourhood 16 times, racking up a remarkable 129 kilometres, $7,000 in donations and plenty of meaningful connections.
“Each time I came around there’d be someone else ready to join me on the loop,” he recalls.
During those runs I had some pretty vulnerable conversations with people who felt comfortable sharing their own stories around mental health.
The part of the run he enjoyed the most was between 2am and 5:30am when he was alone, navigating the quiet streets. He found satisfaction knowing that while everyone else was asleep, he was out there doing something “pretty amazing”.
The power of kindness
Derek describes running as almost meditative.
"After a few hours running, I find my brain just stops and I’m no longer in the overwhelm, especially if I’m running on the trails – there’s something beautiful about the sound of nature.”
The other profound revelation Derek experienced during his running – and mental health – journey was how important kindness and compassion are to supporting good mental wellbeing.
I’m a big believer now that everyone is fighting their own daily battle.
Derek admits he used to get road rage, but now his mindset has changed.
“If someone angrily beeps their horn at me, I look at them and think, ‘they’re having a really bad day,’ and I feel sad for them.”
Derek says he's also passionate about combating the judgements and prejudice that can prevent people from talking about their mental health challenges –
something he admits he tried to keep hidden for many years.
“Three years ago, there would have been no way I would have been able to say, ‘I’m proud of myself,’” he reflects. “I would be too ashamed or too shy."
But it has meant so much receiving messages from people who have been inspired to go out for a run because they’ve followed my mental health journey, which I’ve been really open about. It means so much knowing I’ve made a positive impact.
He’s already planning next year’s Pink Shirt Day fundraiser, with ambitions to turn it into a true community celebration featuring teams tackling a 24-hour running relay.
Derek now cherishes a new happiest memory: the vision of his friends, family and community rallying around him, collectively affirming that mental health matters.