In 2024, I decided to change my surname to Orton as a tribute to my grandparents and the enormous influence they had on my life. Sadly, I never got the opportunity to tell them that I had made that decision.

From the age of six, I can remember watching my grandad fix things. Whether it was taking apart an old Ford Cortina while I sat watching from the empty engine bay, or helping me with yet another project car I had brought home, he always encouraged my curiosity and passion for engineering. Looking back, I realized that my love of fixing things wasn't something I chose – it was something I inherited.

I've always enjoyed the challenge of repairing and restoring things, from hoovers to old cars, and pretty much anything in between. It's a passion that has shaped both my hobbies and my career, and whenever a new challenge comes along, I always try to rise to it.

Over the years, I have taken part in a variety of fundraising events, including trekking across Lapland for The Royal Star & Garter, running an ultra-marathon in South Africa, and even abseiling down Shildon Church ten times in one day. No matter how big or small the challenge was, my grandad secretly collected every newspaper cutting and article about them. Looking back, that support meant more than I ever realized at the time.

Unfortunately, last year I lost the most influential person to suicide. A mental illness that went unnoticed until its effects became sudden and devastating. Mental health is something I never fully understood and, if I'm honest, something I never thought would affect me personally until it did.

Following a difficult summer in 2025, I decided that I wanted to raise funds and, more importantly, raise awareness for MEND (Men Empowering New Direction), a voluntary community group that provides support sessions in Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland. MEND has stepped forward to continue providing support in the local area following the closure of ManHealth earlier this year.

We need to talk more openly about mental health. Sharing our experiences and feelings can help others understand what someone may be going through, recognize the signs that someone is struggling, and encourage people to seek support when they need it.

To support this cause, on 13th July at 10:30am, the anniversary of my grandad's passing, I will be setting off from Land's End to cycle approximately 980 miles to John O'Groats. My goal is to complete the journey in no more than nine days.

This will be a solo ride, with support only at the end of each day, so it will be one of the biggest physical and mental challenges I have ever undertaken. I will be sharing a live location throughout the journey, and if anyone would like to cheer me on or even cycle alongside me for part of the route, you would be more than welcome.

Any support for this cause would be greatly appreciated. However, the most important thing you can do is help spread awareness and encourage conversations around mental health and suicide .

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Much appreciated,

Martin Orton