Hi Everyone,

I am asking you to please consider helping support my fundraising efforts for the mental health charity

Mental health impacts many of us, but often, particularly with men, it is something that is not talked about openly or considered in the same way as physical health. I have long struggled with my mental health and have worked hard to make positive changes in recent years. A lot of this change has involved replacing destructive habits with sport, health, and fitness pursuits

Mental health charities provide significant help for those struggling and cover a broad range of issues. They are often underfunded and to support this cause, I am running 250k in 5 days over the Welsh coast line (lots of elevation 7500m)one of the toughest challenges to date that I have set myself, and, I would be grateful if you would all support by sponsoring as much, or as little, as you are able.

I have battled with addiction and mental health issues and have been to some dark places. Now though, I am 2 years sober, working successfully running my own business and training every day, be it meditation, yoga, weights or doing a marathon on a ski erg!

Perseverance, the family network and a positive mindset is key to the success of Core, and this ethos it is something that I try to embody every day. I started by struggling to run one lap of Thorpe Green field in front of the judo club, and by gradually building up, 7 marathons later I am looking to push myself further and see what is possible. Now, I can run 40 miles and feel fine the next day, albeit a little tired, especially when I have to plaster someone’s house or install some groundworks! 😊

This journey is ongoing, and I am dedicated to learning about mind and body. I have completed a personal training course online and continue to progress while being involved with Core Judo as part of the coaching team. My hope is to help others achieve growth in their lives and in Judo. I have come a long way and I am keen to give back as I am aware how much I have been supported by so many wonderful people in and around the club over recent years, not least by my partner Laura, Jonathon and your children who have inspired me to become a better version of myself.

Judo is an inspiration to me and only a dislocated elbow and no elbow joint stops me from returning… although I not ruling this out, I would love to get my technical dan grade one day! I am extremely proud to have been a huge part of Core Judo over the past 15 years, supporting Jonathon and the other coaches by driving and flying around Europe, just recently returning from France as part of the coaching team. I want to do my best to help inspire the players at the club in return, to help them to become the best version of themselves, to challenge their thoughts on ‘what is possible’ and what a positive strong mindset can actually achieve.

I hope I can inspire them to know, that no matter where you are in life, you can change it around, if you have the will-power and determination

I look forward to sharing my future challenges with you and appreciate you taking the time to read this.

Love Jed,