Intro

Running for 26.2 miles is bonkers. Sometimes I drive to the shops just to get a snack, but going out of your way to run a route on a map, just to cross a finish line hours later at the same place is silly. I’ve managed to complete the odd half marathon since I started running a few years ago, but going for this big a target is still pretty hard for me to get my head around.

I used to get bored running as a warm up for other sports, I hate the idea of waking up early to do a long run and even developed a compound fracture when I started with the CouchTo5K app in 2018.

But I ask you to think about the number of people out there who find it really hard to open up and tell someone when they are feeling down. Some people are born with mental illness, many are affected by outside events which turn their life upside down, their minds end up whirring to the point of exhaustion. 

Then there are the unfortunate who are so lost in their own mind that the only solution they can see is to take their own life. 

I’ve tried to imagine what could be going through someone's mind in the moments before they take their own life, and I just can’t. In the time since I did my first Half Marathon in Oct ‘21 I know of 3 people that were in this dark hole, and even with their friends, family & social workers around them they saw no other path but to end their life.

What I'm asking from you

The world has gone to pot and many can't really afford very much right now, so if times are tough for you then don’t feel obliged, I’ll take your encouraging messages and the odd biscuit.

For those that can, I welcome anything you can donate in multiples of 26.2

10p per mile = £2.62

£1 per mile = £26.20

(of course if you prefer to stick to round numbers I’ll take any amount you are happy to give)

Who are Grassroots Suicide Prevention

Grassroots Suicide Prevention is an award-winning charity and UK leader in suicide prevention. 

When someone has thoughts of suicide, connecting with others can make all the difference. But reaching out can feel impossible. So many people go through this pain alone.That’s why preventing suicide means working together. Together, we can fight dangerous stigma that stops people talking about suicide. Together, we can learn to recognise and support those at risk, and connect them with a network of lifesaving services. Together, we can prevent suicide. Grassroots works to make sure nobody has to go through thoughts of suicide alone.

The Blurb

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.