I’m running the Brighton Marathon on 12th September because I want to raise money for this hugely needed charity.  I am shocked recently by how many people - especially young men - are taking their own lives and feel they have nowhere to turn. The pandemic has made things hugely worse for young men with mental health struggles. If  even one life can be saved with your donation that funds that one call that gives them help and hope then you will have saved not only their lives but also changed their friends and families too. We need to stop suicide being the biggest killer of young men.

I’ve been waiting for the right charity to come along to run a marathon for, and I caught a report on the BBC news today about very young man with what seemed  from the outside a fulfilled life. He struggled for years with mental health issues but the pandemic made things Infinitely worse for him. He loved the gym but he could no longer go and his wedding was cancelled. Some of us take for granted that we can cope with these hurdles, some others really can’t and these problems can seem thousands of times worse, they can make you think you have nothing to live for. The video footage of was him playing with his young son and fiancé and I thought he’s just one of thousands fighting a mental battle, and how can I help?  The interview was with his Dad who had had bereavement support from CALM, and how they had been a huge support to him and his family in the aftermath. 

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. Our goal is a life less miserable for you, your friends, your family and for all men.CALM PROVIDES> A free and anonymous helpline 0800 58 58 58 and webchat (5pm-12am daily) staffed by trained professionals> Bereavement support > A website www.theCALMzone.net with inspiring content> Campaigns tackling stereotypes of masculinity, suicide and mental health. Help us save lives.