Chris & Moira’s HM60 fundraiser in David’s memory

In October 2020 our lovely friend David Mannion entered the Hardmoors 60 2021 race, hoping it would become his qualifier for his dream event The West Highland Way. He persuaded Chris to take on the challenge with him, and I agreed to do all the recce runs and provide race support on the day.

Plans we’re made, but as we all now know, David was facing a very different challenge with his mental health, which sadly got the better of him in February 2021. Chris decided shortly after that he would still like to compete in the event, and asked me to run alongside him on the 18th September 2021 in memory of David - a great friend, fab Dad, and all round lovely human being.

We have decided to raise money for A Platform to Talk in David’s memory - a local nonprofit charity providing practical support in our local community for people like David struggling with mental health issues, and something that we feel David would have very much supported and approved. It is somewhat poignant that this community group was established after the death of a fellow runner, Phil Merrison just 12 months prior to David. Phil was a mental health ambassador who worked hard to breakdown the stigma and barriers surrounding mental health, and who was very open about his own experiences and struggles. The group has a Facebook page where members can share and express their feelings through peer support. They also hold events such as a walking talking group to bring people together. Fundraising allows the group to help and support individuals to access professional, affordable and accessible help when and where it is needed. They are also funding mental health first aiders to work in community groups.