Each year in Great Dunmow Round Table it is customary for the Chairman to set a challenge. Having taken over the chairmanship this year, I decided I wanted my challenge to celebrate the friendships, support, and camaraderie within our group. My aim was to get everyone a little bit fitter, get people talking, and have people supporting each other to promote better mental health.

The challenge will celebrate 60 years of Great Dunmow Round Table by walking 60km over two days on the Cornwall & Devon costal path, starting in Bude and finishing in Bideford. For many, the challenge will be their fitness, for others, it will be encouraging, supporting and helping others to the finish line. Outside of the walk, we'll be having two dinners together, being able to talk, laugh and relax in a safe non-judgmental environment is as important as the physical challenge.  

Ten years ago this year I first suffered with my mental health. I'd left a company I'd been heavily invested in both mentally and physically, following a disagreement one evening I never went back. I was fortunate to have my family and Amy who were all incredibly supportive.  As Amy was at university, I moved back in with my dad for over a month until I was ready to live alone again, and after a few months life moved on. What I didn't realise then, but I do now, is that there's no cure for mental health. I will always carry it with me, some days it gets the better of me, other days I couldn't be further from it, and most days it's about managing it and me. 

Suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged between 20 and 49. Put bluntly I, and any men you know within this age group are more likely to kill themselves than they are to die of anything else. We need to talk about it, remove the stigmas, normalise it, promote better mental wellbeing in ourselves, and learn to spot when others may need help.. 

I hope this weekend will go a small way to helping within an organisation where I've found solace, advice, and friendships when I've suffered. The challenge isn't there to raise funds, but if you're able to donate I've found an amazing small charity called Tough Enough To Care. Their mission is to get men of all ages to feel comfortable opening up about their emotions to those close to them and getting men to spot when others are struggling. 

Please, regardless of whether you donate, talk about mental health, check in on those around you, don't feel ashamed to ask for help and don't be embarrassed asking someone if they need help. 

If you've got this far, thanks for reading! 

Big love,

TJ (Thomas)