As you may have guessed from my frequent running spam, I love to run. Fewer people know that alongside my passion for sadistic feats of endurance, I have also struggled with panic attacks and anxiety for a few years now. They arrived suddenly with no apparent cause, and have been by far the toughest things I’ve ever had to face. An anxiety disorder is a horrible, horrible thing that over time makes you doubt everything from whether you can leave the house, to your own sanity.

Fortunately, thanks to some good therapists, an understanding wife & family, and a lot of personal struggle, I am in the best place I’ve been since they started. But lots of other people are still struggling silently, and the dialogue around mental health still has a long way to go.

Running has also been a big part of my recovery—and my own personal middle finger to my overly-dramatic anxious thoughts—and so I’ve always wanted to run to raise money for a worthwhile cause. I have patiently held off asking for donations, until I've been ready for a suitably epic challenge. Well, on 30th June 2018 I will be running a 100km / 62 mile route from Bath to Cheltenham. The race is part of the Cotswold Way Challenge (https://www.cotswoldwaychallenge.com/), and lots of different people will be running, jogging or walking it over the weekend. I am part of the single-day running contingent, and will start early Saturday morning from the Royal Crescent in Bath, and aim to get to Cheltenham in time for supper. Needless to say, this is going to be a pretty tough day, and the farthest I've run to date by quite a way.

Mind are a wonderful charity who provide advice and support to people suffering with mental health issues, and campaign to raise awareness and increase the support available for those people.

It will really mean a lot to have your support behind me for this. Whether it's just donating £2, or skimping on little Bobby’s Christmas present to send more, I am hugely grateful for anything you can give. You will have the option to hide your donation amount if that feels more comfortable. Thank you.