Donate to Man Down UK CIC

Apparently it’s not normal to run a half marathon with only a week’s “training” (can we call a few runs on holiday training?) so of course I’ve decided to take a space in the Shakespeare half marathon in Stratford upon Avon this Sunday.  But I’m up for it and want to raise some money for an incredible community project based in Cornwall, which is unfortunately a lot closer to my heart than I’d like it to be. 

As many of you know, my brother sadly lost his best friend, Max, to suicide in 2021. Last week I lost another dear friend to the same disease - his own mind. As a family we have also dealt with the effects of poor mental health in men first hand with a close family member, but are fortunate that he was able to get the help and support that he needed and has come out the other side.  As both men that we sadly lost were Cornishmen, I’ve decided that I’d like to raise money for Man Down UK, a non-profit community interest company based in Cornwall in their memory.  They run informal, peer-led talking groups across the UK, providing a safe, judgment-free space for men to share their struggles and connect with others who understand. By fostering open conversations, they aim to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and reduce the number of male suicides. Together, we can end the silence and save lives. If the money I raise on Sunday can help save just one life, then the jelly legs will be worth it.