When I was aged 12, my mum was diagnosed with schizophrenia. A chronic mental illness that affects thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It is one of the most complicated conditions that while now better studied, remains with no cure and varying treatment. It is a life changing illness surrounded by stigma that can destroy family, friendships, your career and almost everything in between.

The knock on effects of her condition damaged so many areas of my life, and specifically my own mental wellbeing.

Today, suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50, and 61% of people with a mental condition don’t access treatment or help.

Why? Because speaking about feelings is considered a weakness, specifically by men.

So, to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of speaking up, I am running a 100km ultra marathon non-stop (at the race to the stones event, 2025), and have shared a video of my story to encourage others to talk and identify it as a strength and not a weakness.

Please support me in my efforts by donating via this page to help me surpass my target of £1,000 (please tick gift aid with your donation).

The Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s charity for everyone’s mental health.

With prevention at the heart of what they do, the Mental Health Foundation aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.