Finn Abberton 15/12/95 - 15/12/17

A Marathon For Mind in memory of Finn Abberton

I am compelled to take on this challenge as the result of the heart-breaking events of last December when my close friend and teammate; through school and university, tragically took his own life on his 22nd birthday. 

I am a third year student at Durham University and member of the university Boat Club. On October 7th I will be attempting my first extended run, the Budapest Marathon, in an effort to raise money and awareness for Mind: The Mental Health Charity.

Finn Abberton has and will continue to be a source of inspiration and very fond memories. Finn, two years my senior, was my advisor and trusted counsel in matters rowing and university life; and helped me find the balance between the pursuit of elite sporting goals whilst simultaneously meeting academic demands. Finn possessed a great passion for challenge and never shied away from an opportunity to find his limits both in rowing and beyond the boat club, himself completing several endurance events in aid of charity. Who could have known the pain this extraordinary young man was enduring?

Suicide is the most likely cause of death for men under 45 in the UK today and 41% of males who've contemplated suicide felt they couldn’t talk about their feelings. This highlights the need to support charities like Mind who are making inroads in tackling this crisis by offering training, support and a listening ear to those in need. I hope that in my preparation and participation in this challenge, I can do my bit to further raise awareness of the importance of mental health in young people and can in some small way assist Mind in their goals.

Attempting this challenge as a rower with very little running experience (aside the occasional last-minute sprint to a lecture) will undoubtedly test me. I anticipate significant discomfort while my body adjusts to these new demands and I am relieved to say I am not in this alone. My university teammate and companion Saskia Devereux has generously offered her time and energy in helping me prepare and compete, making the switch from rowing to running. In Finn’s honour I have decided to set my target at an ambitious 3 hrs 30 mins, which I am reliably informed currently stands at 50% chance or less - there is much work to do. However, of one thing I am certain, I will finish this for Finn.  

This will be painful, but there is no amount of pain I will suffer that comes close to what Finn went through and all those who face mental health challenges.

Thank you for taking time to read this and I hope you feel compelled to join me in supporting Mind.