WHY WE RUN

In September 2020, I ran my first ever ultramarathon. It was a profound experience and I learn so much about myself in the process, the main takeaway - I couldn’t run away from my mental health, no matter how hard I tried. After the high of the ultra came a period of struggle, uncertainty and negative mental health.. it was during this low period that I reached out to Bigmoose. They connected me with a therapist and provided the therapy free of charge which helped me turn my life around... this therefore is my mission to give back.

So, this January, I set out to run all five of Ultra X’s (an ultra marathon race company) 250km races - Sri Lanka in March, Slovenia in June, Wales in August, Jordan in October and Mexico in November. No one had ever done this before and I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to run head first into this challenge with the idea of running towards my mental health rather than away from it and to raise the £25k I set out to provide for the charity.

Renee McGregor is an accomplished ultra runner but set her sights on stepping out of her comfort zone, to join my team and also raise money for Bigmoose, helping me to achieve my target.Earlier this year she ran the Spine Sprint, which is known as one of the most brutal races in this country due to the runner having to be completely self supported and then by signing up for Mexico, where the total distance of 250Km in 5 days is a totally new experience for her.

After completing three of the races, we had some unfortunate news that Mexico was cancelled this year. Meaning neither Renee or I could run our race and raise the money for the charity.

We didn’t accept this, and chose instead to see opportunity in the chaos and create our own 250km event here in the UK with a huge focus on inclusivity, connection, support, community and showcasing the incredible benefits running have on our mental health.

We have 20 runners, all of which attempting this challenge, coming together to support one another to push beyond what we perceive as possible. It shows us that when we are 'weakest', we are really the best we've ever been.

Bigmoose:

during lockdown we were providing therapy for lots of people and were told by five people that without our intervention they would have ended their lives.

due to early and impactful intervention 5 people were still alive. 5 families weren't grieving and the world still had these amazing humans in it.

we listened to people's stories & one thing that we kept hearing was that the therapy & intervention that people needed was taking too long and was inaccessible for so many.

and so, just like that, project 1 million was born.

throughout 2022 we are aiming to raise £1,000,000 which will be used to provide therapy and early intervention for people.

this is a huge goal and we cannot do it alone.

our goal is to help people with their mental health, prevent suicide and reduce homelessness.

we will achieve our goal and we will save lives.

in 2020, 5224 people killed themselves in england and wales. this project will help to reduce this number. we hope you will join us.