One Fat Lad + Helplessness / anger + Running helps my mental health = 2,226miles

The Reality is I don’t know how to write this without it sounding dramatic, so I’ll just say it. There has been too much unnecessary death lately. The environment we work in is constantly stressful, and the emotional toll is massive. We are in a constant state of pressure, and recently, we have been struck by tragedy too often.

The helplessness and anger that comes with losing colleagues is profound. Seeing the families left without answers and the children left behind is something you don't get used to. We need to talk more openly. We need to look out for each other.

I’ll be honest, I am not a runner. I actually hate running. I am a fat lad who started 2025 with C25K just trying to lose some weight and keep my head clear. So far I have managed to lose 4 stone and increase my distance. But I need more than just a diet plan to keep me going when the shift work hits hard. I need a reason to get out the door.

I know if I just do this for me, I’ll quit. But if I do it for a cause, if I take your sponsorship money then I HAVE to do it. I can’t let you down, and I can't let the charity down.

So, I have set myself a target that frankly scares me. In 2026, I am attempting to run 2,226 miles.

To put that in perspective, that is the equivalent of running from Leeds to North Africa. If I was going to break it down daily, its roughly 6km every single day, for 365 days. So to give myself the odd rest day and plan for sickness and injury, I am signing up for some official 10ks, Half Marathons, 4 Marathons, and I am training to attempt an Ultra Marathon at my cost.

If I fail I am sorry and I expect to get injured. I expect to get sick. I expect to hit the wall. But every step is for The Thin Blue Line UK, a charity that supports the mental health of frontline officers. If I have to walk, I’ll walk. If I have to crawl, I’ll crawl. Because the money goes to the people who need it, and that is more important than my knees.

Please donate if you can. It stops me from quitting, and it might just help an officer stay in the fight.