This September Rufus McGrath, Geordie Wainwright, Sam Lebus and Jamie Prowse will be running the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, aiming to raise awareness and money for mental health at a time when it’s needed the most. 

The coastal path covers 184 miles and stretches from St Dogmael’s in the north to Amroth in the south. Each of us will be covering the distance together meaning we will all be running 7 marathons in 7 days. That sounds big so let’s give some context. As a group we will be covering 1196km. That’s the equivalent of running round a football pitch 6,893 times or running around the Isle of Wight 10.5 times. 

You might think we’re crazy to embark on such an adventure but sometimes the cause justifies the effort. We’re doing this challenge to raise money for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). They’re a charity leading a movement against mental health issues in society. They exist to help everyone and anyone who might be struggling with life. While this was clearly important pre-coronavirus, the pandemic has meant many more of us have felt the difficulties and strains of daily life. 

Again, let’s give you some context. In the first TWO months alone of lockdown in 2020, CALM answered 23,332 calls and chats and directly prevented 100 suicides. They’ve seen a 38% rise in the volume of calls they’ve received compared to 2019. 

We’ll be working with CALM to ensure these vital lines stay open so everyone feels they have someone they can turn to at times when the pressures of life become too high. We’ll be challenging the stigmas and stereotypes associated with speaking about your feelings and continuing this movement against mental health issues. 

We’re fully aware this is going to be one hell of a challenge. However, we also know this is nothing compared to what some people go through every day. With each donation from you and with every step along the path we can help make the difference. 

Thank you very much

Love,

Sam, Jamie, Geordie and Ru

P.s. ** Please leave a song suggestion in your donation message to spur us on as we tackle the 184 miles.**