In 2016, I lost my best friend, Chris. He was someone I admired, loved, and respected, a person who inspired me every day. But behind his smile, Chris was struggling in ways I never saw. Losing him was devastating, and it forced me to confront not only his hidden battles but also my own struggles with loneliness and mental health.

Since then, I’ve made it my mission to keep the conversation alive. I’ve shared Chris’s story through talks in schools, TEDx stages, and fundraising initiatives, all with the goal of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and loneliness. Running became part of that mission, a way to honour Chris and raise awareness for those who feel like they have no one to turn to. You can watch my story here from my TedX in 2024.

This year, alongside other ultramarathons, I’m taking on the most demanding challenge of my life, Sea to Summit, running three ultramarathons from sea level to the summits of the UK’s highest peaks.

The Challenge

This isn’t just climbing mountains, it’s about running to the base of each peak before tackling the brutal ascents, with some running a marathon before taking on the mountain.

Over three events, I’ll cover 95 miles, climb more than 18,500ft, and face some of the toughest terrain and conditions the UK has to offer.

Ben Nevis, Scotland

• 29 miles from the wild Atlantic coast to the UK’s highest peak.

• Elevation gain: 6,000ft.

Scafell Pike, England

• 33 miles from the shores of Wast Water to England’s highest summit.

• Elevation gain: 6,200ft.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Wales

• 33 miles from the southern coast of Snowdonia to the summit via the dramatic Watkins Path.

• Elevation gain: 6,300ft.

Each ultramarathon will push me to my limits, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

But every step is for Chris and for everyone who feels like they’re climbing life’s mountains alone.

Why I’m Running

Loneliness isn’t just a feeling, it’s a health crisis. Research shows that prolonged loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It impacts people of all ages, from the young to the elderly, and it’s a struggle I know all too well.

That’s why I’m raising £5,000 for Keep Talking Services, a charity that provides lifelines to those battling isolation and mental health challenges.

Supporting Keep Talking Services is deeply personal for me. I first met Alex Richardson and Angelica in 2024, and their passion for the cause truly resonated with me. Having raised funds for numerous charities over the years, I found a unique connection with their mission. Alex, being a qualified mental health nurse, has firsthand experience of the frontline challenges, which adds so much credibility to their efforts. This initiative was born out of the lockdown period and has evolved into something truly impactful.

As their first brand ambassador, I've witnessed firsthand how every single pound goes towards preventing mental health crises and supporting the frontline services. Through collaborations with other organisations, they’re making a tangible difference. My involvement has also brought personal growth and deepened my commitment to mental wellbeing. This charity isn’t faceless, it has a true heart, which is why I'm determined to help raise £5,000. This support will not only enhance their operations but also significantly impact the lives they touch.

In 2024, Keep Talking Services

• Made over 5,000 calls, offering 2,700+ hours of emotional support.

• Welcomed 122 new clients into their services.

• Trained 89 student volunteers from 14 universities across the UK.

• Won Kent Start-up of the Year 2024 and were recognised as Champions of Service Delivery.

Your support can help them reach even more people who need someone to talk to.

How You Can Support

As an Individual

Whether it’s £1, £5, or £50, every single donation makes a difference:

• £10 could fund a vital befriending call to someone who desperately needs connection.

• £25 could help train a new volunteer to provide life-changing support.

• £50 could provide resources for clients accessing weekly mental health services.

Your donation doesn’t just support me, it supports a community that needs hope and connection.

As a Business

If you work in a business, lead a team, or feel your company might want to support this cause, I’m offering sponsorship packages that align your brand with a vital mission while gaining meaningful exposure. Share this with anyone in your organisation who might be willing to help!

Sponsorship Packages

Gold Sponsor (£500)

• Exclusive Sponsorship - Limited to 5 sponsors only.

• Prominent Logo Placement - Your logo on my running kit for all three events and training videos.

• Social Media Visibility - Recognition on my platforms and through Keep Talking Services’ network, reaching thousands plus YouTube video of the event.

• Website Feature - Your business highlighted as a Gold Sponsor on the Keep Talking Services website and fundraising page.

• Event Shout-Outs - Mentions in event updates and final reflections shared across platforms.

• Added as a main sponsor on any image updates on social media.

Silver Sponsor (£250)

• Logo Placement - Your logo on my running kit during one of the three ultramarathons.

• Social Media Mentions - Acknowledged in milestone posts and event updates.

• Website Recognition - Listed as a Silver Sponsor on the campaign page and Keep Talking Services’ website.

Bronze Sponsor (£100)

• Social Media Recognition - Thanked in final updates for helping us achieve our goal.

• Fundraising Page Listing - Your business or name listed as a Bronze Sponsor.

Every step I take is for Chris, for those struggling in silence, and for a brighter, more connected future. Whether you’re donating as an individual or partnering as a business, your support means the world to me and the people who benefit from Keep Talking Services.

Together, let’s climb these mountains, step by step, summit by summit.