The point of the 40/120 challenge is to highlight the numbers of people every year who take their own life around the world. 

In 2020, 800,000 people around the world took their own life and this equates to one person every 40 seconds who dies by suicide.

State of Mind are an organisation with their roots firmly established in Rugby League and Union and during any game of rugby there will be 120 people around the world who take their own life. That is why this challenge is being attempted. 

I have decided to undertake this challenge by walking 40 miles in 120 hours during Mental Health Awareness Week between Monday 10th  and Friday the 14th of May 2021.

State of Mind's work encompasses three of the things that I am passionate about, mental health, suicide prevention and sport! In planning how to complete the 8 miles per day over the five days I have combined these three things in the routes I will do!

Day 1 - Start at Bowmere Hospital (where I do the day job!), Chester and for four miles along the Shropshire Union Canal and back.

Day 2 - From City of Liverpool FC's base at the Purple Hub in Huyton to Anfield and to go via Goodison Park.

Day 3 - From the Vauxhall's Sports Club (City of Liverpool's new home ground!) in Ellesmere Port and back

Day 4 - From The Groves Cricket Club in Ellesmere Port to Chester County Officers CC and back - two clubs who I played for.

Day 5 - From Helsby (where my Mum was brought up) to my parent's home in Ellesmere Port and also where I was born. 

State of Mind and their trustees and members do outstanding work with sporting, and other, organisations in promoting mental fitness, wellbeing and suicide prevention.  Their message is always that help and support is out there and that first step to reaching out is the hardest, the most important and the one that can change your life if you are experiencing any problems with your mental health.

Please give generously and any amount will make a difference!