Running for the Mind

We have decided to run in aid of The Martin Gallier Project - a local charity to us, preventing suicides, breaking down stigma and supporting families in the North West. As soon as we came across this charity and the work that they are doing, we knew that we had to do something to support them and to try and help make a difference to people's lives. We are both massively stepping out of our comfort zone in even attempting to run a full marathon with neither of us having run this sort of distance before.

We have been in contact with The Martin Gallier Project and they are currently running an MGP crowdfunding project with a goal of raising £10,000 for suicide prevention work. We are therefore aiming to raise £1000 to go towards this goal.

Amy -

Running in memory of my Dad, with the aim that others do not have to go through the same heartache as my family. 18 months ago, my life changed in the most unexpected and heartbreaking way. Losing my Dad so young in such a devastating way was something I never thought I would have to deal with or go through. Men's mental health is something that is not spoken about enough even though so many suffer in silence.

My Dad was always the life of wherever he went and the strongest person I knew, I could turn to him for anything and he would always have the answer, so who do I turn to now I no longer have him? Life can sometimes throw these things your way and sometimes all you can do is pick yourself up and carry on. It is so true to say that you don't know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

I feel strong enough now to talk about things more openly and feel that now is the time where I can turn my own pain into something positive. In running this marathon, raising money for such a good cause that is so close to my own heart I feel that I am keeping my Dad alive through me and I am doing my part in breaking the stigma that still surrounds mental health. He’d say I’m crazy, but this is for your Dad. I love you forever. 

John -

In 2013 I lost a friend Carla Clarkson aka Bert who was such a happy spirit, the biggest smile, the best hugs and the life and soul of where ever she was, we didn’t know deep down she was suffering and it’s made me realise it could happen to anyone. This challenge is my bit to hopefully raise awareness to make people more conscious to check up on those around them. Or if you’re the one feeling down, please talk to someone. The world's a better place with you in it, it’s ok not to be ok.

Being a man myself, I understand how hard it is for men to talk about difficult subjects or about how they are feeling with the fear of being a burden to those around them. The work that the people with The Martin Gallier Project are doing is undoubtedly making a difference to people who are suffering. By running this marathon I feel like I am doing my part as a man to help and support others indirectly.

With us both being seeing the direct effects of mental illness it seems right for us to run together and support each other.

You can see more of the work The Martin Gallier Project are doing on their website www.themartingallierproject.org or on their social media @themartingallierproject

Our social medias are:

@amykent_

@johndevin1878

Thank you for taking the time to read what we have to say. We would be so grateful for any donations towards our goal, see you at the finish line!