Hi,

I'm running the Royal Parks half marathon to help raise money for CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably.  CALM are an incredible charity leading the movement to help tackle the biggest killer of men under the age of 45, suicide.  We all have it in us to talk, support and help change people's lives for the better.  I hope by sharing my story, it will encourage others that may be struggling with the every day pressures that life can bring to open up and know someone is there to listen and support...

My cousin Ben took his own life at the end of January this year.  Words can't really describe the devastating impact this has had on everyone that knew and loved Ben.  

Ben was genuinely one of the good guys...he lit up any room he walked into with that trademark cheeky Robson smile and was always impeccably dressed! One of the hardest working people I knew; at 25, he already had a successful business alongside his day job as a tree surgeon and also somehow found the time to renovate two properties, a testament to his work ethic and character.

Over the past couple of years Ben appeared to be struggling to cope, for a number of reasons, but would always maintain he was OK.  As much as his family and friends tried to support him, I don't think any of us knew how bad things were and how much his demons had taken hold. 

He would always say he was OK, and even though those closest to him knew he wasn't, never did we imagine he was so low he felt he couldn't carry on.

Whilst the pain of losing Ben so tragically is something I don't think we will ever come to terms with, I'm running this half marathon to raise awareness and support CALM to help other men who are in the position Ben was in and feel there isn't a way out.  

It's OK to not be OK....we all need to come together and encourage men to talk when life gets too much.  

Any donation you can spare will be much appreciated and go to such a great cause, £8 can answer a potentially life-saving call.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, if you want to find out more about the work CALM does, please visit the website below,

Mark

P.s outside of playing sport, the furthest I've ever run is for a bus.....Ben ran the London Marathon in just over 3hrs after 4 weeks training!!!

www.thecalmzone.net