This month, Vaila Whittaker will face a gruelling challenge of travelling 250km from Norway to Sweden in memory of her brother, Matthew Rustigini, who died unexpectedly when he was aged just 25 years old.
Vaila, who had to interrupt her University studies to cope with her brother’s tragic death said, “Matt had depression which he hid from his friends and family. He pretended he was fine. I think Matt was ashamed, but he shouldn’t have been. I am doing The Husky Challenge in memory of my brother – he loved dogs – and also for the many others who are suffering today. I’m supporting Manchester Mind as they enable people in the community to feel important again.”
The six day charity challenge aims to raise £4,000 for Manchester Mind, which helps thousands of young people and adults with mental health issues every year. Setting off from Manchester to Norway on 25th March, brave Vaila will travel overland with her pack of six husky dogs, camping in -25 temperatures, before reaching her final destination in Sweden one week later.
Vaila has worked tirelessly over the last year raising awareness of mental health issues by hosting information stalls, and used her creativity to generate donations by selling bespoke hand-painted glasses. Her campaign also inspired local pubs, shops, cafes and youth groups to get involved by organising collections. Vaila added, “There’s still a huge stigma attached to mental health issues, especially for young men. This must change – talking to someone could mean life or death.”
To find out more and donate to Vaila’s cause, please visit www.justgiving.com/huskychallenge2016
