Hello and thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. It really does mean a lot.

I created The 29 Challenge as a year-long challenge to take part in 29 running events with the aim of raising £29,000 for Mind - The Mental Health Charity.

So why The 29 Challenge, and why Mind? Well, here it goes... 

My brother was 29 when he passed away. He was fit, healthy and well. Life seemed great. But, tragically and from nowhere his life ended. It was a huge shock and left so many questions. He loved his family and friends and had so many people that he could talk to if things weren't okay. Nothing was said. It was described to us as a moment in time and if he had made it through the moment then it may not have happened, like a flick of a switch. Whatever it was, we'll never know. But there should never be a moment in time where you feel, for whatever reason, that your life is not worth living. Life is a precious gift for each and every one of us and our physical and mental health are incredibly important.

So I have chosen Mind to keep investing in the services that support people who are struggling and need advice, information, or to connect with others who can help. There is no shame in asking for help. It is essential to your overall health and wellbeing. 

We know that physical activity, along with good nutrition, is a key component in helping with good mental health and I hope that The 29 Challenge will encourage people to get active and think about their own health, both physically and mentally, in a positive way.

I set up a Facebook Page called 'The 29 Challenge' to document the challenges and provide updates on my progress, please 'Like' and 'Share' if you can. I am trying to get better with all social media to raise awareness!

£29,000 was an ambitious fundraising amount to set and I didn't quite get there in year one of the challenge, so I decided to continue until I reached the target. For my brother, and for anyone who needs the support and services of Mind.

Year 1 incorporated 29 running challenges, started with the Glasgow Half Marathon on Sunday 1st October 2017 and completing with the same event in 2018. 

Year '2' of The 29 Challenge incorporated '9' challenges - 3 marathons, 3 half marathons and 3 10k runs. It completed once again with the Glasgow Half Marathon on Sunday 29th September 2019.

Year 3 was underway when everything came to a halt with the onset of a global pandemic. And here were are now in Year 4 and as I work towards the London and Manchester marathons later this year.

The ethos remains to keep running, keep going and keep raising awareness. And, whilst I'm at it, encouraging others to join me in making a difference.

Any and all support you can give will be hugely appreciated. 

Thank you.

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