🌟 Blue Monday Challenge: 100 Miles for Hope 🌟

Date: Monday, 20th January 2025

Time: Starting at 8:00 AM

Location: Mansfield Town F.C (home of the stags)

On Blue Monday, often called the "most depressing day of the year," John Bell is taking on his greatest challenge yet. He’ll be running/walking 100 miles in just 24 hours to raise awareness, inspire hope, and support a vital cause.

💚💛 Why is John doing this?

After losing his son Jake in 2020, John has battled daily with grief and depression.

This challenge holds even more significance as 20th January would have been Jake’s 20th birthday.

He finds strength and healing through extreme challenges, using them to inspire himself and others to find light in their darkest moments.

For John, this isn’t just about personal achievement. It’s about showing we can be more than our struggles and that no one is alone in theirs.

🤍 Who is this for?

This event is dedicated to and in memory of everyone who has died by suicide or faced complexities too overwhelming for the human mind to endure. Through this effort, John hopes to honour their memory while inspiring himself and others to keep going and seek help in their darkest hours.

💗 The Challenge:

To complete 100 miles in under 24 hours is a monumental feat, often requiring years of training by seasoned professionals. While John has gained some insight into endurance through his long-distance hikes, his preparation for this challenge will be condensed into just 20 days, starting in the new year. This makes the endeavour even more remarkable and a testament to his determination to inspire hope and save lives.

🤍 The Cause:

John is dedicating this challenge to support the Lashes Foundation, an incredible Mansfield-based charity set up in memory of Evie Wilson. The foundation works tirelessly to support local families, prevent suffering, and promote mental health awareness.

🎯 Goal: Raise £5,000 (and hopefully much more!)

Imagine if everyone in the community donated just £1—we could make a life-changing difference.

£40 provides one session of therapy for one person.

Together, we can amplify the amazing work the Lashes Foundation does for our community.

🏃 How can you help?

Join the journey: Walk or run alongside John for sections of the route.

Spread the word: Share this event far and wide.

Donate: Every pound counts in supporting this vital cause.

🔄 The Route:

The route will highlight key support services in Mansfield, Ashfield, and Nottinghamshire, with updates posted here. John will start at Mansfield Market Square at 8:00 AM, sharing his location throughout the day so supporters can join in along the way.

🌟 This is more than a challenge. It’s a message of hope, compassion, and community spirit. As John and fellow bereaved father Lee Wilson unite for this event, they hope to prevent others from enduring the pain their families have faced.

💬 John’s Words:

“This is about inspiring myself and others to know they’re not alone. We are all worth our own compassion and time. Together, we can overcome even the darkest of days.”

Let’s stand with John, Lee, and the Lashes Foundation to make a difference.

💗 Support. Donate. Walk. Together, we can save lives. 🤍

👉 Stay tuned for updates on the route and event details!