On 11th September 2021 we lost one of our best pals. Stephen Clifton, or Mouse as he was known to all, sadly felt he could no longer go on. We are all still heartbroken by this, but we'll never stop remembering him. 

Mouse was genuinely one of the nicest lads you could ever meet. I know everyone says that when they lose a friend, but it's 100% true with Mouse. 

When I heard the awful news, I was in a hotel in Durham, getting an early night ready to run my first, and what was supposed to also be my last Great North Run on 12th September. I was turning 40, wanted to run the Great North Run once, then give up running distances like that!

When I found out the 2022 event was to be held on 11th September 2022, the first anniversary of Mouse's passing, I felt I had to get back up to Newcastle and run it once again - in memory of our mate. 

I've specifically chosen to run for Mind, to help a charity who do brilliant work in supporting people who are struggling with their mental health. 

My cover photo - Mouse, myself, and our little mate George was taken at half time at Bramall Lane on the day Mouse took his own life. You would never in a million years guess that he was struggling in his mental health, and what was going to happen just a few hours later.

My hope is not just to raise a small amount for Mind, but to also try to get people to talk about their mental health if they are struggling like Mouse was. For too many people, there is still a stigma around openly talking about your thoughts and feelings when you're in a bad place in your mind. 

Talking will never solve all your problems, but it's a step in the right direction. I hope you can support me in my efforts to bring this topic to the fore, and if you can chuck a few quid in then I know it will help continue supporting the great work of my chosen charity.