Ultra-distance trail runner Mal Law is celebrating his goal of raising $505,050 with the only way he knows how - another mammoth run up and down Mt Eden.
Earlier this year, he completed possibly the biggest feat of endurance ever attempted on New Zealand soil: the Partners Life High Five-0 Challenge for Mental Health.
The challenge saw him climb 50 mountains in 50 days, covering almost 1,700 kilometres over rough terrain while climbing the equivalent of 10 Mt Everests, to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.
He reached his initial fundraising target of $250,000 before he even started running and smashed the revised $400,000 a week before climbing his 50th mountain.
He decided to revise his goal one final time: $505,050 with every dollar going straight to the Mental Health Foundation.
"This really, really matters to me," says Mal, who lost his brother-in-law Max to suicide.
"It's one thing to have accomplished the initial physical journey but I can't rest easy until this final goal, which is so tantalisingly close, is achieved. If that means putting my tired and unwilling body back on the line for a few more painful hours then so be it."
16 months ago he began his challenge by climbing Mt Eden 50 times.
"Mt Eden holds a special significance for me as it's where this life-absorbing challenge officially began. There's a neat sense of closing the circle by raising the last dollars where the first ones were earned."
Law had intended to run up Mt Eden today and keep running until he had reached his stretch goal of $505,050 but early Tuesday morning, an influx of donations, including one from Partners Life, tipped him over his target.
Today he will be celebrating in his favourite way: wearing his red shirt, joined by friends, running up and down for hours.
To support Mal: text GOMAL to 2446 to make a $3 to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand or donate online via his fundraising page.
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.