Why

James' Place have a mission to stop men dying by suicide. In the UK, suicide is still the single leading cause of death of men under 50 and they believe that no man should face a suicidal crisis alone.

James' Place provides free, professional therapy for men in suicidal crisis to help them find hope for the future.

On 1 June 2024, I will turn 50. Every day is a huge blessing to me and an opportunity to impact positively on the lives of others.

The truth is that every day beyond 7 January 2006 is one that I neither wished nor expected to see. The burden of mental ill health had finally taken its toll on me, I was exhausted and broken from having to 'man-up' every day, from faking a smile, running broken relationships and friendships, unable to work, without a home, unable to pay the rent from crippling debt.

I had been faking it for close to 15 years, epitomising the lethal illness with which I had still not been diagnosed. It would be a year before I was finally told that I was living with Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder.

I should not have been alive to receive that diagnosis but, by God's infinite grace, I did wake up that day after a third (final) attempt to take my own life, and a long journey of recovery and rediscovery began.

The road has not always been easy and is never a straight line to navigate but I am blessed to have had the opportunity to rebuild my life.

Running & Fundraising

In 2013, I started running in order to raise money and awareness around mental health. During that time, I have also become a recognised speaker around workplace wellbeing and a Trustee (albeit currently on sabbatical) of Mind.

This year's 50th birthday fundraising campaign is definitely my final one and I have chosen two wonderful causes to partner.

Back in January 2006, I was ill, suicidal and literally had nowhere to run. I was alone, homeless and could see no tomorrow. That is why I am supporting James' Place Charity and The Choir with No Name in 2024. These two wonderful organisations are truly impacting lives in an amazing way.

James' Place provides life saving intervention for suicidal men whilst CWNN provides community and dignity to the homeless and marginalised.

Had either of these charities existed in 2006, my story might be very different. But it is the power of that story which allows me to support these two wonderful causes.

The 2024 Events

In 2024, I will be completing my 100th marathon (I started the year on 86) on June 1st and also my first 100 mile race.

The event to which I'm most looking forward is the Manchester to Liverpool Ultramarathon on 29 March in which I will run from Manchester, the city where I was on 6 January 2006, to the place that has always felt like home, Liverpool.

The Key Events

- The Country to Capital Ultra (43 miles) on 6 January

- The Manchester to Liverpool Ultra (50 miles) on 29 March

- The London Marathon 2024 on 21 April

- My 100th MARATHON on (my fiftieth birthday) 1 June

- My first ONE HUNDRED MILER at Track Wars XXIV on 6 September

During that time I will complete the challenge of 52 marathons in 52 weeks between 14 July 2023 and 11 July 2024.

Ultimately, if I’m going to earn your generous support, I’m going ALL OUT to get it!

How I'll be raising this

I'll be hosting a few special events so watch this space! Beyond that, I'll be donating all of my speaking fees as a speaker around mental health and wellbeing.

I will of course be making a final plea to you for your generous donations.