Hello, thanks for visiting my fundraising page!

Those that know me probably won't be surprised that I'm taking on a crazy challenge that I've not entirely thought through. In 2 glorious weeks in April 2019, I am going to be tackling BOTH the Brighton and London Marathons.

A half marathon is the furthest I've run before (7 long years ago), so a full one is completely new territory for me. Sweaty, fear-inducing territory. Don't let my sexy cheese-loving dad bod fool you, signing up to do 2 full marathons in 2 weeks is probably the most ridiculous thing I have ever done and the hardest challenge I've faced. But there you go, it's happening. Sorry Mum!

But it's for a fantastic cause and a charity that means a lot to me on a personal level - Mind. They do a great job of helping and supporting those suffering with mental health problems. Without going into details, close family members and friends of mine have suffered or are suffering from serious mental health problems. I'm very much running these marathons for them - love you guys!

If anyone wants to support me through hell and back and give some of their hard earned money towards this, I'll be incredibly grateful! Please only give what you can afford :)

Ben x

....

On a serious note, yes I'd love you to sponsor me and help this great cause but if you do nothing else but read the following paragraph, I will be very thankful.

Mental health is a real problem. 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year. To me that stat is crazy and unfathomable. I'll freely admit that I was one of the 1 in 4's last year and if you were too that's nothing to be ashamed of and you're not alone! But please, if anyone is going through anything at all (no matter how ridiculous, pathetic or small you might consider it) just speak to someone - whether it be me, a family member, friend, colleague or a charity like Mind (www.mind.org.uk). If one of your friends has been acting a bit different lately, or your colleague seems distant, or even on your commute you see someone upset - ask them if they are okay. It might seem trivial but opening up the dialogue and even knowing someone cares could be massive for that person. You don't have to have the answers, just be understanding and listen.

Thanks for reading this essay and hope you all have an amazing 2019!

...

KEY DATES: 
(disclaimer: only attend if you want to witness a grown man cry whilst running)

03/02: Cancer Research London Winter Run 
10km of questioning why I am doing marathons soon

24/03: London Landmarks Half Marathon (TBC)
13 miles of doubt and the beginning of the end of me

14/04: Brighton Marathon 
26 miles of severe pain, suffering and all-round general torment

28/04: London Marathon 
26 miles of tears and being officially broken (if it hasn't happened already) - but hopefully with a wad of sponsorship cash to give to Mind