What started out as running Manchester Marathon in April has turned into a year long campaign. Let's face it, suicide prevention is a marathon not a sprint, often a succession of marathons. Mental Health is a series of "battles", once you overcome one hurdle, there is often another one in your way.

This challenge starts and ends with The Yorkshire Marathon in October 2026 and October 2027, with Manchester Marathon (April) and Leeds Marathon (May) in the middle.

I've been passionate about mental health support for a while now and volunteered as MH First Aider, Shout crisis text line helper and recently qualified as counsellor/therapist working with adults and young people. The more you learn about mental health and suicide prevention, the more you start to recognise things within yourself, and those you care about, both past and present. Running has helped with my MH for a while.

I believe suicide takes a multi-faceted approach. Education about suicide can help people to spot the signs in themselves and others and be able to listen to and support someone in crisis.

When someone has thoughts of suicide, connecting with others can make all the difference. But reaching out can feel impossible. So many people go through this pain alone.

That’s why preventing suicide means working together. Together, we can fight dangerous stigma that stops people talking about suicide. Together, we can learn to recognise and support those at risk, and connect them with a network of lifesaving services. Together, we can prevent suicide.

Grassroots works to make sure nobody has to go through thoughts of suicide alone.