The midlife crisis continues...

In 2020, throwing off decades of contented indolence, I signed up to the Slightly Lost Middle-Aged Man Club and fell in love with running.

That initial bolt from the blue changed my life, seeing me through all sorts of grisly life events and culminating in my first half-marathon in April 2023.

I distinctly remember, in the last couple of kilometres of that run, thinking "jeez, if I was only halfway through now, I'd be screwed". In that moment I made a pact with myself: However much you love this, you must never to do anything as witless as attempting a full marathon.

So here we are. On 12th April, I will cast aside my wits and attempt my first marathon, in Brighton. And it will be my privilege to run as part of Team Mind.

Like so many people, I know that one of the most debilitating effects of mental health struggles is how utterly, miserably alone they make you feel.

This is where Mind steps up. By their estimate, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem this year. And with NHS mental health services stripped beyond the bone and down to the marrow, their support has never been more critical.

They listen. They provide life-saving support and advice. They fight your corner. Whatever you're going through, they make you realise you're not alone.

It's quietly heroic work that I'm inordinately proud to be representing. If you'd like to support me with a donation, I solemnly promise to do you proud on the day too.

Huge thanks

Rich