Doing it for Dave - Andrew Phipps 1/2 Marathon attempt!

Andrew Phipps is raising money for Mind
In memory of Dave Reynolds

Swindon Half Marathon · 28 September 2025

We’re Mind, the mental health charity, working across England & Wales. We believe no one should face a mental health problem alone. We’re here for you. Whether you’re stressed, depressed or in crisis. We’ll listen, give support & advice, & fight your corner. Thanks for fundraising for national Mind.

Story

On the 11th June 2025, the World lost a great guy, an absolute beaut - Dave Reynolds.

For those that knew Dave, our World was thrown upside down as we heard the news that Dave had tragically taken his own life. Shock, disbelief and the most heart wrenching pain that someone so wonderful, both inside and out could be taken away from the World due to a battle so tough, he couldn't win.

I've setup this page to help hold myself accountable, and to raise money for a really important charity, MIND. The reality is, we have no idea of who is battling a storm inside their mind, and go about their day without you knowing. For me, Dave was an incredible person, one of the very best, and I'm not sure if he truly knew just how much he was loved.On the outside he would light up the room he walked into and you felt incredible in his company, so full of energy and love, that you would never know he was struggling inside. Of course after his passing, everyone wishes they could've helped him or had another chance with Dave, overthinking the small details, but that's not how these things work out. So PLEASE, if you are still reading, donate, but most importantly, more important than anything, check in on that mate you've been meaning to see, and if you're struggling yourself with anything, message someone and ask them to grab a beer or a coffee, something so small might just tell someone you're reaching out, or contact MIND, none of us, particularly men talk enough about what's going on in their heads, and this HAS to change. We're all busy with life, and life is getting busier by the day, and everyone has to make time for their own mental health and to look after yourself and others.

Why I'm running - Dave kind of has stitched me up to be honest!

I saw Dave the night before he died, and on this evening, Dave had told me I should run this half marathon, despite no training or running experience, I politely agreed and filed it away in the 'maybe' pile, where it's sat since June. It's weighed on my since as something I really need to do for Dave, and I should've just entered and started training two months ago. However, I love to do things last minute, so with one month of training (and an all-inclusive holiday in between to affect this), I'm going to do my best, as really there is no excuse for effort, and I know that Dave will be pissing himself laughing at me even trying probably, but I also hope it will make him smile, and shout 'Go on Phippsy' as I drag myself across the start line. Even if I have to walk across the finish line, I'm going to do this for Dave, and I'd really appreciate any donations or support along the way!

All proceeds to MIND charity.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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Donation summary

Total
£1,555.00
+ £346.25 Gift Aid
Online
£1,555.00
Offline
£0.00

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