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Journalist plays different sports for a month to raise cash for mental health

Antonia BannisterA regional journalist is undertaking a different form of sport every day for a month to raise cash for charity.

Antonia Bannister, left, is taking part in mental health charity Mind’s RED January initiative, which aims to raise awareness of how physical activity can help people’s state of mind.

Antonia, who works as a senior trending journalist and video producer for Reach plc’s regional video trending team in Birmingham, took up sport a year ago after suffering from “crippling self-esteem and anxiety issues” in the past.

She now boxes three times a week and has played rugby for Sutton Coldfield RFC’s women’s team since November.

Antonia told HTFP: “Coming from a kid that would try and shirk hockey lessons whenever I could, I can honestly say I’ve developed a love of sport and would be in such a different place without it. I know that if I ever feel overwhelmed, I can go to the gym and work it out or even turn to one of the people that I’ve met at the clubs to help me work through any problems.

“Sadly a lot of people though are frightened about physical activity and where to even start with it – I know I was. That is until you take the first step and immerse yourself into these incredibly supportive sporting communities that will actually do anything to help you, as my rugby club have done with me especially.

“I wanted to do RED January to both challenge myself and raise awareness. I wanted to see if I could push myself to achieve something that I never thought I’d ever be able to do. I also wanted to show others how beneficial physical activity can be for your mental health. Just ask my mom.

“A lot of people are afraid to seek help for their mental health problems, so hopefully the money raised for MIND and awareness of the charity will help them continue the incredible work they’re doing to support underfunded and struggling NHS mental health services. In fact, just even telling people about what I’m doing this month has raised the profile of the charity within my group of friends and colleagues – people want to know more and have even said they want to give it a go next year.”

Since beginning her challenge Antonia has spent time boxing, doing yoga, attempting to weightlift and playing rugby with recovery days spent walking her two dogs.

She has so far raised £100 in sponsorship, and is accepting donations via a JustGiving page which can be found here.

Antonia added: “My biggest challenges with the project are to avoid any more injuries, find something a bit different to do every day and also keep it going while I’m abroad next week. I know I’ll do it though thanks to the incredible support I’ve had from the online and sporting community.

“Hopefully in the future more people will take up the challenge – not only of talking about mental health, but of trying out some new sports.”