In October 2022, my friend and colleague, Hannah, lost her brother Cameron to suicide and tragically I subsequently lost a friend the same way. In 2023 alone, 5,656 people lost their lives to suicide in England and this rate continues to rise. Before he lost his own battle with depression and suicidal thoughts, Cameron was passionately fundraising to change the world of mental health to stop the stigma attached to asking for help and, most importantly, to provide help quickly to anyone facing the same struggles. Cameron came up against all of these barriers to help and ultimately they cost him his life.

Since he died, the Smart family have founded Cameron’s Companions and are committed to helping individuals struggling with poor mental health through the provision of FREE, FAST and NON JUDGEMENTAL therapy or counselling from their team of over 50 professionals. There are no ‘hoops’ to jump through to get help, you don’t need a doctor’s referral or a formal diagnosis of depression and, most importantly, there is a whole team of professionals ready to support, rather than a mere waiting list.

Of course it goes without saying that this service couldn’t be provided without funds and that’s why I have chosen to run the London Marathon 2025 to support this incredible charity. Every penny raised will go towards counselling or therapy for those battling suicidal thoughts. I’d be enormously grateful for any support you can offer and look forward to seeing many of you there on the day too!

Thank you!