Not many people would pick rollerblading for a fundraiser, but Naperville resident Mike Lemons decided to combine his hobby with helping an important cause of raising awareness for mental health.

Lemons laced up for a 12-mile skate from his home in Naperville to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, building in Wheaton.

“So the idea is there is that I’m going to really use this to let people be aware that NAMI is really close by so here in Naperville to Wheaton where the offices are. But not only that, it’s also to show that exercise is a key component to mental health. I could’ve walked this I could’ve biked this, for me what’s really worked has been rollerblading. I do it every day, and It’s just been part of my routine and it’s really important especially in this kind of post-lockdown world to keep that mental health balanced,” said Mike Lemons, mental health advocate.

Lemons says the connection between physical exercise and mental health is fundamentally linked.

“That is what has really made the biggest difference for me, and I think that’s what can help others and to not run away from it. Don’t shy away, that has to end, this stigma has just got to end,” said Lemons.

12 miles later, Mike was surprised by NAMI employees cheering him on to the finish line.

Picture Source: Screenshot / NCTV17

SOURCE ( Ryan Skryd / NCTV17 )