After a lifetime of trauma and what has been a tumultuous, painful 2024, I checked in to the Priory Hospital after nearly deciding to checkout for good.

The experience has thankfully changed me for the better, however during my admission I was struck by the countless stories of mental and existential struggle, and the lack of support for people who aren’t as fortunate to access private support for Mental Health, or those experiencing or impacted by Suicide. For those who succumb to the pain, the support for those left behind and bereaved is even worse.

That is where “Suicide & Co” step in, and where I begin my journey to fundraising on their behalf by participating in the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2024. A half marathon event scheduled for October 13, 2024.

My goal is to raise £1,000 to offer counselling grants to those bereaved by suicide, in addition to the individual and organisational tools to support those with suicidal thoughts.

The most recent figures show that there were a reported 6,507 suicides in the UK, and that number multiplies when you think of the family & friends left behind. At Suicide&Co, their aim is to start a conversation about suicide-related grief. They recognise that an end like this should be the start of many new conversations and I am supporting those bereaved by suicide, because suicide always has company.

I want to raise money to offer counselling grants to those bereaved by suicide and to those searching for support before it becomes too late.

Any donations to this cause would be gratefully received and will be the tonic needed to help me get through the next five months of training as a 110kg runner rebuild themself back up to full physical, mental and emotional fitness.

Bloody Cheers.

Ben