Teen Rhys Blissett will be running a long way with the aim of making a big difference this weekend.
The 17-year-old will cover 126.6km from Rolleston to Ashburton and back again, along the highway and parallel roads, over Saturday and Sunday. He will be raising money for Women’s Refuge.
He is passionate about the cause, after having spent time as a child in foster homes and refuge safe houses.
Rhys is today studying to become a police officer, inspired by not wanting other children to experience what he did.
He grew up in Ashburton, attending primary and intermediate school here, before moving to Christchurch.
As he has been raising awareness of the run throughout Canterbury, he recently gave an inspiring talk at Te Koromiko Swannanoa School.
He told parents, staff, board and community members he had to witness his mother and siblings affected by physical violence.
The family shifted often, meaning he never had a sense of stability.
‘‘I had to grow up thinking that the stuff I was going through was normal and it happened in everyone’s household. Being shifted around from eight different schools and having the mindset of always being ready to up and leave, I never got the chance to be able to make or learn how to have friends, and this is still something I struggle with today,’’ Rhys said.
‘‘Always being on alert and fearing of stepping on eggshells made me a very confused, shut-off, quiet, unnormal, angry kid. I was forced to be at school and expected to do what was expected, while having the night before’s scenario playing over and over in my head. Wondering whether anyone else in my class had experienced being beaten, neglected, or a witness of domestic violence.’’
He set out to become independent.
As soon as he turned 16 he got a full-time job at a butchery.
‘‘I used to start school at 9am, finish at 2pm, start work at 2:30pm, and finish work at 12:30am at night.
‘‘Even though I was only getting seven hours of sleep every night I was motivated to make a change in my life.’’
He soon found a flat to move into.
‘‘This is where my life took a turn for the better,’’ he said.
‘‘With help from youth services that my school directed me to, I applied at New Zealand Institute of Sport and I got accepted into the prepolice level 3 course.
‘‘Throughout the course my confidence grew and a realisation about myself that I really like helping people.’’
Rhys as of yesterday had raised $3415 through his Run For Change event.
Different supporters will be accompanying him for various sections of the run.
• If you want to support Women’s Refuge by sponsoring Rhys Blissett on his Run For Change, visit the Givealittle page 126.6km Run Against Domestic Violence Towards Women & Children!
