My son James was 22 when he lost his battle with his mental health. I was the person who found him at home the night he took his own life.

In his memory, and to help support people who may be struggling, I am taking on the biggest physical and mental challenge of my life while raising money for Mind and JAMO CIC.

On 11 April 2027, I will leave Hereford and begin a 22-day challenge covering 488.2 miles. I will run or walk 22 miles on 21 of those days, with the London Marathon on Day 14, covering an additional 26.2 miles.

This challenge is not really about running.

It’s about James, mental health and trying to turn unimaginable pain into something that may help other people.

There are no words that can truly describe what it is like to lose your child, or to live with the memory of finding them. I cannot change what happened to James, and I cannot bring him back.

But I can keep his memory alive. I can speak openly about mental health. And I can raise money for organisations working to support people who are struggling.

Why 22?

Because James was 22.

So 22 will be at the heart of everything I do.

22 miles.

For 22 days.

For a 22-year-old son.

I’ve never really challenged myself in this way before. I want to experience something that genuinely tests my physical and mental resolve.

But this challenge is also about me trying to heal.

Losing James has changed my life forever. I’m still trying to find a way to live with a loss that I never imagined I would have to face.

I know running 488.2 miles won’t change what happened, and it won’t take away the pain of losing my son.

But perhaps, through all those miles, the early mornings, the exhaustion, the difficult days and the moments when I want to stop, I can begin to find a way forward.

I want to turn some of the pain into something positive.

I want to challenge myself, push myself and give myself something to focus on.

And most importantly, I want to do something that keeps James’s memory alive and helps other people.

I want to know what it feels like to reach a point where everything is telling you to stop — and find a reason to keep going.

I know there will be days when I’m exhausted, in pain and wondering whether I can do another 22 miles.

But I’ll keep reminding myself why I started.

For James. ❤️

And, in some small way, for me too.

The London Marathon

On 24 April 2027, right in the middle of the challenge, I’ll take on the London Marathon for Mind.

The Marathon will be Day 14 of the 22-day challenge.

Instead of completing the usual 22 miles that day, I’ll take on the full 26.2 miles of the London Marathon.

By the time I reach London, I’ll already have completed hundreds of miles — and crossing the London Marathon finish line won’t be the end.

I’ll still have miles to go.

Coming home

After London, the challenge continues as I make my way back towards Hereford.

On 2 May 2027, Day 22, I will arrive back in Hereford and finish the challenge at James’s memorial match.

After 22 days and 488.2 miles, being able to finish surrounded by the people who knew and loved James will make that final mile incredibly special.

It will be more than the end of a challenge.

It will be about coming home, remembering James, celebrating his life and hopefully helping other people.

Where your money goes

I want to raise as much as I possibly can from this challenge to support mental health.

Having secured a charity place for the London Marathon, the first £2,500 raised will go to Mind, meeting my minimum fundraising commitment.

Once £5,000 has been raised, the money will then be split 50/50 between Mind and JAMO CIC.

Whatever the final amount, every penny will help support mental health.

You don’t have to run 22 miles

You don’t have to run.

You don’t have to donate a huge amount.

You can help simply by sharing this page, talking about mental health or checking in on someone you care about.

Ask them:

“You OK, mate?”

Because sometimes, one conversation can make all the difference.

James’s life should have been so much longer.

His story is the reason I’m doing this.

22 days.

Two causes.

One son.

Please donate whatever you can.

And if you can’t donate, please share this page.

For James. ❤️