Whilst serving in the military I have witnessed the impact on people’s lives when struggling with mental health. I have seen how the stigma attached to mental health and the bravado of acting string and staying silent has exacerbated a problem for both the individual in need and their family. 

As a result I have a desire to help people understand that their body and mind are stronger than they think. I am undertaking The Grit Challenge, pushing my mind and body to its limits. I hope to inspire people not to stay silent, take control of their future and reach their full potential. 

The Grit Challenge - August 2022

31 x Half Ironman Distance Triathlons in 31 Days.

125kg Snatch Attempt.

150kg Clean Attempt.

Aims:

1. Raise awareness and funds to support the amazing work of Mind Charity.

2. Encourage people not to stay silent during periods of struggle. 

3. Build a strong and resilient community that will support each other. 

4. Encourage people to utilise exercise as a way of combating mental health. 

5. Help people lead a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle.

6. Prove that our body and minds are stronger and more capable than we think. 

Why The Mind Charity 

Mental health is one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide with it accounting for almost a quarter of total ill health in the UK. NHS Psychiatrists have reported an increase in urgent and emergency cases during lockdown, but also that a similar proportion have seen falls in routine appointments. There are fears people are staying away until they reach crisis point, which will result in a flood of exacerbated and untreated mental illness after the pandemic, and mental health providers are already reporting significant increases in demand and severity of new referrals.

The concern post CV-19 is that mental health will very quickly become the UK’s new pandemic. Impacts of the CV-19 Disease and isolation periods will be far reaching due to long periods of social isolation, job and financial losses, housing insecurity, stress of working in frontline services, loss of coping mechanisms and reduced access to mental health services. All of these factors have had a big impact in the number and severity of mental health cases in the UK.

Physical activity is not only good for our body, it’s also great for the mind. Being active releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good – boosting your self-esteem, helping you concentrate, sleep well and feel better. Finding an activity that you enjoy can give you a goal to aim for and a sense of purpose. It can also be a great way to meet people, have a break from the pressures of daily life and gain confidence. Other benefits include: less tension, lower stress levels, a natural energy boost, a sense of achievement, better focus, motivation, reduced anger through stress, a healthy appetite and most importantly having fun.

Good mental health is linked to good physical health – both of which support positive social and economic outcomes for individuals and society, lowering the burden on the NHS.

How To Get Involved

As part of this challenge we would like to encourage the community to accompany us on this journey and achieve the objectives stated above together. If you wish to join us for a day or a mile just drop a message to @thegritchallenge.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and I hope to see during this challenge!