Andy's man club is a male suicide prevention group. It provides a safe place for people in crisis to open up, find comfort and get advice. The aim is to help people face their problems, raise awareness, reduce the rate of male suicides and basically show people that it's okay to talk.

In March I will be running my first ultra marathon - Canalathon 75km

This is my story .... I've been asked to share why I have chosen Andys man club. I was hesitant, but I feel I need to share a real life story to make people understand how important this group is, and to raise awareness (which is my main aim) In the photo you'll see my uncle Barry. I don't talk about him much because it's still a sore subject. He was the kindest, funniest, smiliest and most amazing person I've ever known. He could brighten up any room and have people in fits of laughter in minutes. He was always there for us, especially after we lost our dad; he always put a smile back on our faces when we had bad days. But 5 years ago he took his own life - no signs, no warning, no change in behaviour. It tore my world apart. But we couldn't have predicted it. He hid his pain from us, he 'manned up' and didn't seek the help that could have saved his life. This is the kind of thing that happens every day. Men seem to think they can't show weakness and talk about their problems. They bottle it up and it gets too much. This is what Andys man club is trying to prevent - trying to end the stigma - trying to tell men they talk about their problems and overcome them. It does NOT mean you are weak! I believe that Andys man club really could have saved my uncle if they'd have been around years ago

What they have achieved so far and the amount of people they have reached is amazing. If the campaign had helped to save one life it would have been worth it but they have done much more than that. I will be running for them, in memory of Barry, and proudly wearing my t-shirt telling men its okay to talk