Yes this is real. I’m running 2 marathons in 2 days.

As those that know me are all too aware, I am allergic to all physical excercise. The furthest I have run in 15 years is 5km, twice. I have stood in goal in a few 5-a-side matches and strolled round many golf courses (although I’d rather sit in a buggy). That’s it. I love a pint of Guinness, a dram of whisky, food in excess (pasta for breakfast etc) and a bloody good night out. But after watching the Run Hunchman Run 2024 documentary on the train home from Paris in January, accompanied by a lump of Brie and a bottle of red (and Lettice, my fiance), I found myself with a couple of tears rolling down my cheek and I called Charlie Smith, one of my best friends and co-founder of The Hunchman Trust and committed to running the 2025 Run Hunchman Run. What a muppet.

I couldn’t ignore the absolutely incredible work that The Hunchman Trust has been doing over the last few years and thought sod it, time to help raise some cash!

For those that don’t know, The Hunchman Trust was established in 2023 in memory of 'Hunch', the father of Charlie, Ben and Will Smith, whom they tragically lost to suicide in 2010. Their journey through that difficult period was made possible by the supportive network surrounding them; the boys' family and friends created the environment that they required, enabling them to cope with the challenges they faced.

Recognizing that not everyone is fortunate enough to have such a support system, they founded The Hunchman Trust. In the UK, thousands of young people are experiencing tragic loss, feeling isolated and without anyone to turn to. Their mission is to change that.

Their focus is simple: to help people who are grieving the loss of a loved one, with a particular emphasis on those affected by suicide.

As a grant-giving charity, they raise funds through a variety of different fundraising events while advocating the benefits of physical challenges to overcome mental struggles. Collaborating with like-minded charities and organizations, their aim is to develop initiatives that offer a broad spectrum of support and guidance for young people navigating a loss, ensuring that ‘no one feels left behind’.

So as I begin to train (a lot) to run 2 marathons in 2 days on August 2nd & 3rd with 49 other legends, please donate what you can to this incredible cause!