“Ready, set… Rome! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️ Ben and Ed on the starting line of their training, chasing the dream of the Rome Marathon on 22nd March.”

Together, we’ve chosen to undertake this challenge in support of YoungMinds and Cystic Fibrosis Care, two causes that mean a great deal to us.

At a time in life where feelings can be overwhelming and difficult to understand, access to the right support can be life-changing.

YoungMinds is a charity dedicated to improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children, young people, and their families. They work to ensure that young people can access the support they need through helplines, online resources, and practical guidance, while also campaigning for systemic and long-lasting change so that young people and parents feel better supported and equipped to navigate mental health challenges.

For those who may not be aware, this charity is particularly poignant and significant to ourselves. YoungMinds https://www.youngminds.org.uk has played a hugely important role in our lives and the families affected, following the loss of Kit Mangles in 2017, Dan Milgate in 2021, and Roddy Saxby in 2023 and Toby Grave in 2024. We will be running in celebration of these four great young men — all of whom are massively missed, hugely loved, and would have cruised through this challenge before meeting at a bar to celebrate.

Cystic Fibrosis is a life-limiting condition that affects many individuals and their families. Charlie York lost his battle with this disease in 2025, highlighting the urgent need for continued support and research. The dedication of Christy and Sasha York in supporting those with Cystic Fibrosis is truly inspiring https://www.cysticfibrosiscare.org.uk

By supporting these causes, we are helping to raise vital funds for YoungMinds and Cystic Fibrosis Care, enabling them to continue their crucial work supporting young people’s mental health and funding life-saving research.

How you can help:

1. Donate – Please visit our JustGiving page (https://www.justgiving.com/team/ed-ben-gibson-2?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL) and make a donation. Our aim is to raise a significant sum for these wonderful charities.

2. Celebrate with us – On Sunday 22 March, pour a glass of Primitivo, enjoy a long Sunday lunch, and settle in for a screening of Chariots of Fire or Forest Gump ..... or watch Newcastle Utd v Sunderland.

3. Track our progress – About 4.5 hours later, check online (https://www.runromethemarathon.com) to see how we’re doing! and celebrate a victory for the Toon.

We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, Micro Scooters (https://www.micro-scooters.co.uk/) and Howden (https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/) for supporting our journey.

Thank you for being part of this adventure and helping us make a difference.

Best wishes, Ben & Ed