Stafford 10k for mens mental health

Hi everyone,

Im Cameron Swingwood for those who dont know me, Im 20 years old and i have chosen to run the Stafford 10k for mens mental health. This would be an achievement that at the start of this year would have seemed impossible. Mens mental health is not spoken about enough as it should and therefore ill give a little back story as to why i have chosen to donate to Mens Mental Health.

We’ve come together for a cause that too often remains in the shadows. For generations, men have been told to ‘tough it out’, to stay silent, to carry their struggles alone. But silence is not strength. Speaking up is. Seeking help is. Supporting one another is.

Throughout these past few years I have been put through some very difficult times. Times where i thought there was no light at the end of the tunnel, times where i thought happiness would never come back. There have been times not just myself but my family have had to suffer with pain due to certain situations. Whether myself or family members chose to suffer silently or only speak up very little.

However a little bit more about myself, over the past few years i have had many more downs than ups. Many times i have found myself thinking im not able to speak up as im a MAN, times where i have suffered alone day to day in silent and telling people daily i was okay. But now after finding myself to be resilient and knowing that dark times dont last forever, i can safely say for the MEN (younger or older generation) its okay to speak about your problems no matter how big or small they may be. Even saying the slightest thing to someone can have a huge impact on you and just know your never alone!

And now all i can say is a massive thankyou to my friends and family for helping me through such difficult times that i never would have thought id have to experience. Honestly from the bottom of my heart i cant thank people enough.

3 out of 4 suicides are committed by men and this is the leading cause of death for men under 50.

Around 12.5% of men in the UK have a common mental health disorder.

These are just a couple statistics provided by professionals to highlight the impact mental health has upon men.

Any donations would be much appreciated as like ive said i am someone who has suffered from mental health and i just want to be able to raise as much money as possible for a charity i hold close to my heart.

Thankyou

Cameron Swingwood