In December 2022, my sister Megan took her own life after a turbulent couple of years struggling with Bipolar disorder. Ever since, myself and Megan's close family and friends have all been doing what we can to raise awareness for this extremely complex condition, to try and prevent families having to deal with the insummountable loss that we have.

For me, these have usually taken the route of running challenges of a silly length, and for a few of these, George and Harry have been alongside me. There was no doubt in my mind that when I formulated this years challenge, that they would be the two to answer the call. Last year, we completed the 45 mile Peak Divide between Sheffield and Manchester, and prior to that, me and George ran our first marathon on just two weeks training (don't do this).

In November of this year (2025), me and two close friends will be running the Athens marathon. The original, the one that guy died doing that one time.

We will be doing so in the hope of coming out the other side (mildly) unscathed, but also to raise as much money as possible for Bipolar UK. The essential resources they provide in linking sufferers and their families with support groups and the day to day operation of their support line, are things that I wish Megan was aware of when she was still alive with us.

It is bound to be a tough day (14 miles uphill- didn't look into the course before signing up) but with Megan in my heart and mind and two of my closest friends by my side, its also going to be one to truly remember.

See you at the finish?

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Some additional words and an additional challenge from Fergs, one of my oldest pals:

'Hello! I’m Ferg, a good friend of Callums and am lucky enough to have joined him and his family on many Muddy Miles for Megs challenges over the years.

Sadly, I can’t join Cal, George and Harry for the latest challenge, the Athens marathon, this year. But I wanted to put all the miles run with the boys to good use and have a go at the Kielder marathon in Northumberland on 5th October.

To say I’m looking forward to 26 very hilly, off road, miles is a stretch but it is a great opportunity to raise awareness and hopefully some much needed donations for Bipolar UK in Meg’s name.'

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Some useful facts and figures regarding Bipolar disorder and the work Bipolar UK does:

“Bipolar is a severe, lifelong mental health condition characterised by highs and lows. At their most extreme, the highs can lead to delusional thinking and psychosis, and the lows to suicidal thoughts.

Tragically, someone living with bipolar is 20 times more likely to take their own life than someone without the condition, with at least 1/20 of all people who take their own life in the UK having a diagnosis of bipolar. Which is why the work of Bipolar UK is so important.

Bipolar UK is the only dedicated national charity supporting those affected by bipolar, and they currently reach 389,000 people annually in the UK. They offer peer support to anyone affected by bipolar through in-person and online group meetings, call-back and email support, and a moderated eCommunity."

"£10 helps someone get peer support from the eCommunity

£50 helps someone get peer support via call-back or email

£500 helps 820 people find information via the website

£1000 helps 13 people get peer support on Zoom

£5000 helps 560 people use all their services for a month to keep well”