Hi I'm Max - Health is very important to me. In fact, I was formerly a personal trainer! So I thought it makes sense to cycle over 100km from Penrith to Barrow. Logical conclusion, right?

No really, here's why:

Most people recognise the importance of physical activity for health and often understand the importance of mental health. and how they're intertwined. However, as a society, will consistently take good mental health for granted, making it difficult for those who are struggling. They feel like aliens, complainers, outsiders or, in many cases, weak.

I'm sure you're aware, but this is often more common in men.

Deriving from a health, fitness and wellness background, I’ve ironically battled with my own mental wellbeing immensely – feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, envy and self-loathing, anxiety, depression. Fortunately, I have a strong support network who could spot this and who I was comfortable opening up to.

But I'm lucky. What about those who don't have what I have or feel as though they can't express their emotions without judgement?

These are the tragic chameleons we don't notice. They blend into day-to-day life. Clocking in and out of work, feigning smiles, idly interacting as they slip deeper into their despair. Until, for many unfortunate soles, it becomes too late.

One man takes his own life every 2 hours.

Almost 6% of UK men have seriously considered taking their life.

Suicide in the largest killer of men under 45 years old globally.

This is why support and awareness is so crucial - so we can identify and help these men.

This is why ANDYSMANCLUB is so important.

More information about ANDYSMANCLUB Limited: ANDYSMANCLUB are a male suicide prevention charity. We facilitate non professional peer to peer support groups across the UK for any man to attend over 18. We provide a confidential non judgemental space for men to come together to chat about anything that they would like to get off of their chest. We have no waiting list, no referral or signing in process. Just show up, talk or just listen.

So, as mentioned, I'll be cycling over 100km starting in Penrith and finishing in Barrow-in-Furness in a day, on the 1st March 2026.

Every penny raised will go to ANDYSMANCLUB and I'd really appreciate it if you could chuck in a buck or any amount you wouldn't miss as services like ANDYSMANCLUB rely entirely on donations.

Thank you

#ITSOKAYTOTALK

Find support nearest to you: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/groups/