Shreshth Goel smiles in his dragon costume, which he hopes spreads positivity around Cardiff.

Meet the mental health dragon running a 5k every day around Cardiff

Shreshth Goel, 20, hopes to raise £500 for Samaritans while cheering people up

CARDIFF University student Shreshth Goel is running a 5k every day in February while wearing a dragon costume, to draw attention to the long wait for mental health services.

Shreshth, 20, is in his third year studying law. He is from India but has lived in Cathays during his studies.

He said: “Even if one person smiles or laughs, I know I’ve made a difference.”

Shreshth has led two similar campaigns previously

Last February, he ran a 5k every day dressed as a sanitary towel to advocate for the Safer Periods campaign, and he ran around Cathays and the City Centre last May in a Mickey Mouse costume to cheer people up during university exam season.

Shreshth has struggled with mental health issues and, while he says he is in a better place now, he hopes his campaign can support others and advocate for better mental health services.

A typical route for Shreshth during his 5k runs this month around Cardiff.

Shreshth said: “I went to seek help from a mental health service, and the appointment that I was given was three months in the future. 

“That’s an issue that obviously exists, and it’s why I’m grateful that charities exist because you can talk to them any time of the day or night, and it’s anonymous, which makes you feel more comfortable.”

  • Shreshth hopes to raise £500 for Samaritans by the end of the month. Those interested in supporting his campaign can donate here.