Former East Rand resident Shane Wridgway is putting both body and mind on the line in a gruelling campaign that aims to shine a spotlight on ADHD, mental health struggles and suicide awareness.

Now living in the USA, Channel Island of Jersey, the South African-born runner has embarked on an extraordinary challenge called Chasing Dopamine – One Step at a Time, which sees him running 50 half-marathons in 50 consecutive days before tackling a 48-mile island walk on day 51.

For Wridgway, however, this journey is about far more than endurance and fitness.

“This challenge is much bigger than running,” he explained.

“It’s about showing people what it feels like to live with ADHD every single day. ADHD is not just being distracted or hyperactive.

“It’s impulsivity, emotional highs and lows, overthinking, burnout, masking, and constantly trying to manage the noise in your mind while still functioning in everyday life.”

Born in Germiston and raised around Boksburg and Benoni, Wridgway was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of six.

One of the most difficult parts of living with the condition, he said, has been dealing with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), where even small emotional setbacks can feel overwhelming.

For years, he hid his struggles from the world.

“I masked my ADHD for most of my life because I was scared of being judged or misunderstood,” said Wridgway.

“It’s really only within the last year that I’ve started openly speaking about it and allowing people to see the real me.”

Running became his escape and therapy.

“Running has always been my medication because I’ve spent most of my life unmedicated for ADHD. When I run, the noise in my head quietens down. I feel calmer, more focused and balanced.”

The campaign also carries deep emotional significance for Wridgway, who has personally experienced the devastating impact of suicide.

“I’ve struggled mentally for many years myself, and I’ve also lost people very close to me through suicide. Two of those people were friends that I personally found after they had taken their own lives, and those experiences changed me forever.”

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Despite the immense physical demands of the challenge, Wridgway admitted the mental battle has proven even tougher.

“There’s nowhere to hide mentally when you’re doing something this extreme every day,” he said.

“The days I enjoy most are when people run with me because support makes such a difference. The lonely days are much harder because that’s when the overthinking really kicks in.”

Still, purpose keeps him moving forward. Every message of encouragement, donation and supporter joining him on a run reminds him that the challenge has become bigger than himself.

Wridgway credits much of his resilience to his South African roots. He attended Summerfields Primary School and later Belvidere School, which catered mainly for neurodivergent children.

He recalls how difficult growing up with ADHD was during a time when little understanding existed around the condition.

“That’s why awareness means so much to me today,” he said. “I want children and families to have more understanding and support than we had growing up.”

Beyond the finish line, Wridgway hopes his journey helps people feel less alone.

“I want people to know it’s okay to speak openly about your struggles,” he said.

“ADHD isn’t only pain and struggle. It can also come with incredible strengths like passion, creativity and determination. My message is simple: keep moving forward one step at a time.”

You can follow Wridgway’s journey on Instagram via https://www.instagram.com/shanewridgway/