The club spent the last week smashing a series of astronomical targets, each comprising of a figure representing a mental health statistic.

The challenge started last Monday with the team completing 5,691 sit-ups to represent the 5,691 suicides in England and Wales in 2019. On Wednesday they challenged themselves to run 82km (which they exceeded by 40km) in reflection of the 82,000 students who reported suffering from a mental health condition in 2018/19. They completed their physical challenges on Thursday with 20,000 squats in recognition of the 20,000 Samaritans volunteers who offer vital support to those in emotional distress.

Alongside their physical challenges, the club has spent a total of 1,330 minutes talking about mental health challenges. This number reflects the 1,330 students who have committed suicide in England and Wales over the last 10 years.

Their final challenge sees them aim to reach 800,000 people via social media to raise awareness of mental health. This number was chosen because it’s the number of people the World Health Organisation estimates die by suicide each year.

The University would like to congratulate the Table Tennis Club on their huge achievements and for making such an ambitious effort to raise awareness of mental health challenges.

Visit their Facebook page to find out more.