Hi everyone!

Myself and my good friends have decided to be productive during these difficult times and do something in aid of a good cause. We have identified the importance of both the physical and mental health for young men, especially during times like these. As a collective we felt that it would be a good idea to do something positive to support the physical / mental health of each other, whilst raising awareness and hopefully money for a great cause. 

We have decided to take it upon ourselves to either walk, run or cycle 672 miles during the next four weeks. We are all young men with an age range from 23 up to 26 and all feel passionately about supporting mens mental health and CALM. We all have had our own experiences with mental health or has impacted us due to the struggles of those closest to us. Over the years as a friendship group we have been more conscious of checking in on our friends and encouraging everyone to speak up and to support each other through anything. 

The more we can get people talking about this and raising money to help the charity to continue to do the great work they are already doing. The majority of the group will be running and walking to clock up the mileage during these four weeks, with one of the group selecting to cycle. We will keep you all updated with our progress during this time. 

Here is a personal message from one of the group Rich who was brave enough to be open and honest about his own struggles with mental health. 

Most people know me as an anti exercise, Stella guzzling & bottle of wine in 9 seconds kind of chap. I am not a runner by any stretch of the imagination, however I will be taking part in a Thursday club running / walking / cycling event to raise money for CALM fighting against men's mental health issues. There should be no stigma about talking to other people about the demons that you fight in your own head. As most of you people will know me I am a strong confident man who goes out of his way to make people laugh and smile. Not so long ago I was fighting a battle in my own head. I carried on with life as normal and continued to put on the same old show whilst bottling it up and making the issue worse. Just so you all know I am here for you anytime of day for a chat. 

Please do not suffer alone! 

I am extremely proud of Rich and all my friends for what we are trying to do for such a great cause. Any support and donations will be greatly appreciated. 

Many thanks! 

TC. 

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK.Anyone can hit crisis point. CALM run a free and confidential helpline and webchat 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about lifes problems.

Members participating: Richard Perrott, Martin Lenihan, Matt Johnson, Matt Le Corre, Ben Winsley, Dan Riddle, Jordan Bryant, Ashley Goodridge and Joe Ford.