Colourful runner pounds streets to put spotlight on mental health issues

Could inspirational Mush be Halifax's Forrest Gump or rival running star Mo Farah?

Mush Cade, dubbed the Pink Running Machine, has built up a huge fanbase as he pounds the streets of the borough topless and in colourful running gear, waving to passers-by as he goes.

But there’s an important reason why the 37-year-old has taken up running and he now wants to raise awareness about an issue close to his heart.

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Mush has battled mental illness for more than 15 years and he credits running with helping to turn his life around.

He said: “Everyday is still a fight for me to live in this world. I was 17-stone, on all sorts of medication and had lost the will to live, I was at rock bottom.

“I fought back, stopped taking my medication and one day decided to start running. My first run was less than half-a-mile and almost killed me.

“Since that day, I continued, a bit like Forrest Gump.”

Mush began to up his pace and distance daily and now says he runs more than 140 miles a week.

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He added: “Running is the only thing that keeps me in this world, I have no social life, I cannot work due to severe mental health issues but I’m hoping to get my life back on track in the future.

“I want to help raise awareness about mental health and I’m hoping if there is anyone else out there suffering, they can read my story and get motivated to change their life.”

He says the support he receives while out running keeps him going through the difficult times.

“I actually shed a few tears, it was very overwhelming. Every time I heard a beep or a shout it sent me shivers down my spine, if it wasn’t for the amazing support I think I would of given up on life by now,” Mush added.

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As well as raising awareness about mental health, Mush also hopes to turn his passion for running into a business venture and is appealing for organisations to get in touch.

Mush is now asking for people to donate to raise money for mental health charities and so he can seek private medical treatment.

To support Mush and read more about his journey, visit www.gofundme.com/2hby8jcw

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