Ant’s Marathon for Mental Health

If you've had more than one conversation with me, you'll know that recovering from a torn ACL has become something of a personality trait.

Cue flashback:

In 2022, in a moment of (un)coordinated acrobatics and questionable decision-making, I tore my ACL at a trampoline park while going all-in on a game of trampoline dodgeball (a real high point).

As someone who’s always been active—through sport, the gym, and even my job as a server at the time—my mental health relied heavily on my mobility. The period that followed was pretty rocky, but showed me a lot about the importance of support. The people who helped me through it made the seemingly impossible journey feel manageable.

That’s why I’m supporting Mind and Samaritans. Life doesn’t always stick the landing (…) but when it gets tough, having someone to talk to in your toughest moments is crucial. The helplines these charities run provide that, offering a compassionate voice when there’s nowhere else to turn.

So, on 27 April 2025 (my birthday, no less), I’ll be running the Manchester Marathon, a city full of the people who propped me up in the times my knees (and crutches) couldn’t. Thank you to each of those people, and thank you for reading.

Key takeaways:

1. Please consider supporting Mind/Samaritans.

2. Don’t overcommit at a trampoline park.

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P.S. I won that arbitrary point in dodgeball.

Strava: https://strava.app.link/2xeP4eBQlSb