In November 2015, after a prolonged period of stress, anxiety and mild depression, Chris Redmond suffered a nervous breakdown.

It was the result of working long hours in his businesses and leading a very busy, stressful lifestyle.

After a visit to his accountants, the stress became too much, resulting in Chris being taken to hospital for immediate intervention.

He considers what followed to be the most harrowing and haunting period of his life.

During the early parts of his illness, he considered suicide.

Fortunately, Chris had the extremely strong support network of his family and friends, and they aided him through the darkest times.

During this period Chris was running 300 miles of events for Charity and he was due to run 5 marathons in as many days to complete his year long endeavour.

(The admission in to hospital was 13 days before the first of the five marathons was due to start)

After the acute stages of the breakdown and just about getting through day to day life, Chris pulled back on his running shoes.

Whenever he could, he would run . . .

Whenever he felt a panic attack coming on, he’d go for a run.

Even when he felt settled, he’d go running. . .

Until gradually, he made the decision to complete the 300 mile challenge and travel to Bolton to run the 5 Day "Hell of a Hill" Marathon Series.

Since then, Chris has opened a very successful running strength and endurance coaching company.

He met the love of his life, Krista (they went on their first date 10 days after the breakdown . . .)

And,

They now have a beautiful little boy called Zac.

Over the period of 2015 to 2019, Chris has grown stronger and stronger and his love for running has helped him through every step of his recovery.

He recognises the power that running has in aiding peoples mental health.

Bringing them back to not only their former selves, but back to a stronger, happier and more content versions of themselves.

Because of this, after much consideration, planning, building and hard work . . . Chris and his colleagues have started the process opening “Running Head First”

The belief behind Running Head First is as follows;

We are creating a not-for-profit Running Group (or Organisation) that will assist people in repairing or improving their mental health.

We will provide running groups to create social inclusion and to use exercise to improve mental well-being.

We will incorporate gym based sessions to help people see both the physical and mental improvements in their health.

As well as creating a larger, sustainable network for our group with the inception of The Running Head First Run Club.

Over the coming 6 years, we have a vision that is greater than that of a running club and strength classes.

We have a vision of substantial mental health care and intervention, Nationwide running clubs to improve peoples well-being, and building a platform for employment for the homeless.

In our immediate stages, we are seeking £3000 of funding for the following:

Employment of a Third Sector Consultant to ensure the correct legal and ethical requirements of forming a not-for-profit organisation are adhered to.

(Or, a Dude who knows exactly how to set the correct organisation up which is not only complaint with Government standards, but operates with the highest ethical and legal standards possible)

The creation of a website and a social media campaign to create awareness of the charity,

(Right now, we are a very good idea, with an incredible amount of belief and drive behind us. To capitalise on this, we need to make sure more and more people know about and understand what we are going to do!)

And;

The employment of a running strength and endurance coach for our inaugural Running Head First Coaching Group

(We can talk the talk, but we want to walk the walk - or "Run the Run . . .". The sooner we can get started, the sooner we can help people and their well-being!)

The Running Head First Organisation is open to participants of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. We’re not exclusive to those suffering from mental health illness, as we truly believe that everyone can benefit from being a part of our supportive group.

And,

Everyone can benefit from being more active, in any aspects of life.

All donations and contributions are hugely appreciated and are guaranteed to go towards building this organisation, in return, assisting someone in their moment of need.