This is a cross post from Convict player Bill Lockley and his crusade against depression: Black Dog Pushups

Black Dog Pushups had it’s origins in my habit of doing pushups in public.  Whenever I travel somewhere, I do pushups in iconic or unusual locations.  It’s one way to make you holiday snaps stand out.

Last year I was diagnosed with depression, and I’ve been engaged in a running battle against it since. I’ve had good days and bad days, but one thing that always seemed to help me keep the black dog at bay was getting regular exercise.

Eventually it struck me that as a man who loves pushups and hates depression, I could use one to fight the other.  I started raising money for the Black Dog Institute in Australia by doing thousands and thousands of pushups in various cities across Australia.

In the process, I also highlighted the important role that exercise can play in coping with depression, and tried to reduce the stigma associated with it.

Now I am coming to London to raise funds for Mind, the mental health charity.  My plan is to do 10 pushups every minute… for 12 hours.

That is how I fight my black dog.  Exercise is my antidepressant.  Pushups are my therapy.

If you or someone you know has struggled with depression, please donate to Mind so they can continue to help those in need.

Or if you are going to be in London on Thursday 7 June, feel free to come down and join me for a few sets!

You can follow Bill and his campaign against depression on Facebook or Twitter and donate to the cause via Everyday Hero or Virgin Money Giving

Bill doing pushups in Melbourne at Federation Square