In the week between the two Minnesota Vikings international games John Macdonald, Vice President of the UK & Ireland Minnesota Vikings Fan Club, will be riding from Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. Travelling over 600km to raise money Mind. Here is what John had to say about his epic challenge:

Mind is a charity that means a great deal to me personally. Like many others, I’ve faced my own battles with mental health, and I know first-hand how hard it can be to ask for help. Over the years, I’ve seen how much of a difference Mind has made—not just in my life, but in the lives of friends and family as well.

Mental health struggles can feel incredibly isolating. Sadly, there’s still a huge stigma—especially for men—around opening up and saying, “I’m not OK.” Too often, that’s seen as weakness. But Mind challenges that idea. They offer a safe, non-judgemental space for people to turn to when they feel like they have nowhere else to go.

One moment that’s stayed with me forever was the day I stopped a stranger from jumping off a bridge onto the M20. Holding on to her, trying to keep her safe while on the phone to the police—it was probably the longest 15 minutes of my life. That experience showed me just how close people can come to the edge when they don’t feel heard or supported.

I’ve seen the difference that being there for someone can make—and I’ve seen the incredible work Mind does every single day to be there for people in crisis. Please support them if you can. Every donation helps Mind be there for someone when they need it most.

Thank you for reading—and for supporting a cause that’s so close to my heart.

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