When things got tough, Const. Jeff Bartsch kept on pushing, until he was able to finish the Saskatchewan Marathon in full police gear.
“It wasn’t easy, let me tell you. But when things got tough, I just thought of the mental struggles some people go through daily,” said Bartsch.
He crossed the finish line for the 42.2 kilometre Saskatoon Marathon at five hours, 45 minutes and 38 seconds.
The main goal of the race was to raise awareness and funds for the Weyburn branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Bartsch had trained everyday for the past eight or nine months for the Saskatoon Marathon.
Also, he had raised hundreds of dollars for his community through a GoFundMe page and by selling bracelets.
“This was such an inspirational experience for myself and I’m sure many others,” said Tasha Collins, executive director of the Weyburn CMHA.
“Jeff Bartsch is a champion for mental health, the awareness and funds he has raised for Mental Health is amazing. He has followers from Weyburn, throughout our province, country and in the states.”
“His efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination are motivating,” said Collins. “He certainly has raised the profile of mental health through his marathon campaign. CMHA Weyburn is very lucky to have such a champion in our corner.”
