William's fundraiser for Vetlife

William Manley is raising money for Vetlife
In memory of Charlie Manley

London Marathon 2026 · 26 April 2026 · Start fundraising for this event

Vetlife provides free and confidential support to the veterinary community which is tailored to an individual's circumstances and includes assistance relating to financial hardship, stress, addiction and employment. Registered Charity No. 224776.

Story

In April 2025, my world changed forever — my dad, Charlie, lost his life to suicide.

It was, without question, the most painful and heartbreaking time of my life. That pain was shared deeply by my little brother Ollie, my sister Issy, and our incredible mum, Amanda, who held us all together through the unimaginable.

My dad Charlie was a farmer through and through — a man with an unwavering passion for the land. He adored the countryside around our home in Cornwall, and there wasn’t a single day when he wouldn’t go out of his way to help someone else. He had a huge heart, a deep love for quirky vintage machinery, and a quiet joy for life’s simple pleasures — especially getting out on his electric bike and spending hours riding along the stunning coastal paths near home.

The photo I’ve chosen for this page was taken along that very coastline — a place he loved, and where I feel closest to him.

In the middle of our darkest time, two charities reached out to help us: Vetlife and RABI. Vetlife offered comfort, support, and understanding when we needed it most — and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.

Vetlife provides emotional, health, and financial support to members of the UK veterinary community and their families. Whether someone is struggling with their mental wellbeing, facing physical or emotional health challenges, or under financial pressure, Vetlife is there to help. They don’t just respond to crisis— they work every day to prevent them.

Suicide remains one of the biggest killers of men in the UK, and it’s sadly far too common in farming and veterinary communities — where people are often expected to be strong, silent, and self-reliant. But mental health struggles don’t discriminate. They can affect anyone, no matter how kind, how hardworking, or how loved they are.

I’m running the London Marathon to honour my amazing Dad, Charlie but also to help break the silence around suicide, challenge the stigma and encourage others to speak out and seek help before it’s too late.

I stand with all those who have been directly or indirectly affected by suicide. I’m running to support and give back to the charity that provided my family with vital help through the darkest time of our lives. I want to raise awareness about suicide, mental health, and the unique pressures people face in today’s world.

Your donation could help Vetlife continue their vital work — and help another family like mine find hope in their darkest hour.

Thank you so much for your support. ❤️💙💚

If you’d like to honour someone you’ve lost to suicide, please feel free to message me their name. I will proudly write their name on my marathon shirt and carry them with me every step of the way — running not just in memory of my dad, but with the strength and support of all those we’ve lost too soon.

Together, we remember. Together, we run. 💙

Donation summary

Total
£3,885.29
+ £851.25 Gift Aid
Online
£3,885.29
Offline
£0.00

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