I’m running the Manchester Marathon to raise money for CALM - the Campaign Against Living Miserably, because their work has genuinely helped save my life.

I’ve suffered from depression for years and I still do. There were moments when I hit crisis point, when everything felt too heavy, too dark, too impossible. In those moments, CALM was there. Their support, their campaigns, and their message that you’re not weak for struggling helped pull me back from the edge. Running has become one of the things that keeps me going, but I know not everyone finds their way out.

Every week in the UK, 125 people die by suicide — and 75% of them are men. That’s someone’s dad, brother, mate, partner. Too many of us are taught to “man up”, stay quiet, and pretend we’re fine. That silence is killing people.

CALM works to break the stigma, challenge the stereotypes, and make it normal for men to talk about what’s going on in their heads without fear of judgement. No one should feel ashamed to ask for help. No one should feel like they have to suffer alone.

By supporting my marathon run, you’re helping CALM continue their life‑saving work from running their helpline to creating powerful campaigns that get men talking before it’s too late.

If you can donate, share, or simply spread the message, it means more than you know.

Thank you for helping me support a cause that has supported me.

Tom