Just want to give everyone a little background with my story and why Action Mental Health is a very important charity close to my heart. I myself have struggled with my Mental Health due to personal problems and at a time was in a very dark place and lost my smile which was overtook with Anxiety, Depression and even Suicidal Thoughts as I couldn’t handle the thoughts going on in my head, I never thought I would see light at the end of the tunnel but thankfully I did, I found the courage to sit down with my family and tell them how I was feeling, what I was feeling and the thoughts I had going on in my head, don’t get me wrong it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do is to open up but once I did it felt like the weight of the world I was carrying finally was lifted off my shoulders, I’ve always been a person to bottle all emotions/feelings up and thought I was Superman but sometimes superhero’s have their weaknesses too. The support I received from Family & Friends was incredible and this was a major turning point for myself. With words of encouragement and support back in October 2018 I started running something I’ve always had an interest with but never really pushed myself and after a few weeks set different targets and goals ie miles and speed to which I entered the 2019 Belfast Marathon and decided to raise money towards Action Mental Health safe to say I smashed my first ever Charity Fundraiser by raising £2,642.02, the buzz I got from raising money for this great charity was unbelievable and since me finding the courage to sit down and talk to family and friends I have accomplished a lot of my personal goals and life goals with running a full marathon and half marathon, traveling and all in all making myself happy.

The past year and a half has been tough on everyone with COVID-19 everyones Mental Health has been affected with not being able to see loved ones, losing loved ones through this pandemic, loneliness, job losses, anxiety, depression and changes to daily routines. We are all vulnerable at the moment for everytime we thought we were going forward we went two steps back thankfully there is light at the end of the tunnel for us all and hopefully some form of normality will be back soon.

So my plan is to raise money for Action Mental Health over the next two years, last year I was due to take part in the 2020 Belfast Marathon but unfortunately with COVID this was impossible with most events being postponed, I also planned to re-enter and take part in the 2021 Belfast Marathon however I took COVID back in July 2021 and it left me a little worse for wear. I thought I was going to have to give my charity events a miss. It's been a tough few months as my breathing was a daily struggle for me never mind thinking running was even possible, but I got myself up and back at it again and can happily say am back to some form of running :).

So I thought why don’t I create a local marathon for myself were I will run from Castlerock - Articlave - Coleraine - Ballymoney - Ballybogey - Portrush - Portstewart - Coleraine and finishing in my home village of Articlave this is roughly about 28 Miles now that restrictions and guidelines have been relaxed and others who wish to take part either running or walking can do so should they wish to show their support. I plan to do this event after Christmas, this gives me a few more months to prepare myself as it has been tough already trying to get back into the swing of things.

I’ve three other ideas which I plan to hold in 2022 which I’ll give a little insight about:

Charity Band Parade

I have been a member of Articlave Flute Band now for 24 years, this is my extended family, special mention has to be made for the support these lads and lady have showen me is incredible. My plan is to hold a charity parade in our village of Articlave, all bands and spectators are welcome, all proceeds from this event will go towards Mental Health. Once restrictions and guidelines are lifted this will be a great event to look forward too. No dates or times have been set yet.

Charity Country/Gospel Concert
This event is a joint venture between myself and Martin Moore, Martin is well known in our Irish Country & Gospel seen and will see a great line up of local talent from both genres. Again no dates or times have been set yet.

Charity Football Match
I plan to hold a charity football match in Coleraine Showgrounds with two teams made up of friends or people who wish to take part, this event was planned also for 2020 but due to the pandemic it couldn’t go ahead, we will wait once we can go ahead and get permission from Coleraine Football Club it will be a great day out.

These events will give us all a little hope and something to look forward too in the next coming months and year and all proceeds are going towards a great charity.

Remember it’s ok not to be ok, never feel scared or ashamed to open up and tell someone how your feeling, takes a lot of strength and courage to open up but it will take the world off your shoulders. And as someone who has been there myself am always here to talk and help.

A special thank you has to be said to my Mum, Dad, Sister Pamela, Nephew Chase, Partner Elaine, Alex, Our Dog Penny, Family & Friends, you’s are all my support centre, I still have bad days but with this support behind me they keep me going, I am forever grateful to you all and appreciate the steps you have all taken with me to getting me back to me the old me.

Thank You,
Robert