Here we go, my first fundraiser! During the next 8 months I've set the exciting challenge of running at least 200km in charity races across the country in support of CALM: The Campaign Against Living Miserably. A men’s health charity that's close to my heart, uniting the UK against suicide.

Across 5 half marathons, 10+ 10km races and some trail/ultra challenges, I’ll be running a distance equivalent to crossing the channel to France and BACK three times! Fitting given the challenge ends in London for the Asics 10km on Bastille Day (14th July 2024).

BREAKDOWN: (*more events coming soon*)

- Rennie Grove Peace Herts 10km (8th Oct 2023)

- Knebworth House Herts Half Marathon & 10km (5th Nov 2023)

- Tommy 10km Remembrance Day [11km] Virtual (11th Nov 2023)

- Love Welwyn Garden City 10km (11th Feb 2024)

- Cancer Research London Winter Run 10km (25th Feb 2023)

- TTP Cambridge Half Marathon (3rd March 2024)

- London Landmarks Half Marathon (7th April 2024)

- Ultra X Summer Trail Series Half Marathon (13th April 2024)

- ATW Bison Trail Run (28th April)

- Hitchin 10km (5th May)

- Wizz Air Hackney Half Marathon (19th May)

- Olympic Park 10km Night Run (TBC)

- ATW St Albans Half Marathon (9th Jun)

- Saucony London 10km (14th July)

WHY CALM MATTERS: 2.72 Million Minutes (£8 is enough to fund one potentially life-saving call!)

Someone dies by suicide in the UK every 90mins.

125 people are lost to suicide in the UK every week – with 75% of those deaths being male (ONS) and it being the single biggest cause of death for men under 45.

For every death, there are 25 attempts: 1 in 3 adults say their mental health has gotten worse since March 2020 and 1 in 14 people self-harm (NHS Digital).

Last year CALM spent over 3 million minutes having potentially life-saving conversations with over 40,000 people. Sadly, demand increased 18% between 2021-2022 and your support helps CALM be there for the increasing number of poeple who need it.

By providing a lifeline to those in need CALM is currently preventing hundreds of suicides per year, normalising the discussion around mental health and helping people find a way forward.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT: Here's how to get involved:

- Donate: Contributions directly assist providing critical support - £8 is enough to fund one potentially life-saving call.

- Join Us: Friends of the Fundraiser are participating in events during the next 8 months. DM a message to get involved in any of the 20+ events!

- CALM: Get in touch with the fundraising team if you’re up for a challenge! [https://www.thecalmzone.net/fundraising]

- Socials: Track our training progress and results via Instagram, Strava and this page.

LETS GET STARTED:

Thank you for your support and generosity. Every contribution brings us closer to our goal of bringing hope to those who need it most.

Together we can save lives.

Every step counts!

Simon