Newcastle man to run seven marathons in seven days for mental health
A man from Newcastle is taking to the streets of Staffordshire and Cheshire this Christmas to remind people how important mental health is at this time of the year.
Last updated 29th Dec 2020
Richard Ankers, who is a local gas engineer, is running seven marathons in seven days starting on Christmas Eve and raising money for the charity MIND.
“It’s close to my heart” he said.
“Mental health is such a taboo subject and still very difficult to talk about. For over 20 years previously I’ve had my own issues and I’ve lost some close people.
“I want to give something back to end a very difficult year for most people. My aim is to raise money and help others to find a way to talk about their own mental health”.
Richard’s been training hard all year. He completed a Virtual Challenge from Lands’ End to John o Groat back in July and has been working with a personal trainer every week.
“I’m excited now, because all the hard work is done now.” he said.
“What really helps is the sponsorship. Every pound is another pound towards it which I can think about when I’m running.
That spurs me on a lot.”
Richard particularly wants this challenge to make men realise they can talk about their mental health more.
He added, “We don’t share our concerns thinking it’s not manly to show our emotions”.
“We need to stop this and find a way of empowering men to openly share. It’s okay not to be ok.”
So far, Richard has raised over £3000 for MIND through his GoFundMe page.
Last year there were 5,691 suicides in England and Wales, that is 321 more compared to 2018.
The suicide rate has remained the same as in 2018 - 11 deaths per 100,000 people, but the rates are still higher than in recent years.
Men in particular are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Research also tells us that men who are less well-off and living in the most deprived areas are up to 10 times more likely to die by suicide, with middle aged men (aged 40-59) consistently having the highest average suicide rate of any age group.
If you or someone you know needs help:
MIND: Mind has tips and support on its website. Coronavirus and your wellbeing.
NHS 111: Non-emergency advice online: NHS 111 online (Only call 111 if you cannot get help online). People with hearing problems can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) service.
Samaritans: Call free on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website
Shout: Confidential 24/7 crisis text support. Text "SHOUT" to 85258 or visit Shout Crisis Text Line
Crisis Support For Young People: Under 35s. Call Papyrus's Hopeline UK from 9am to 10pm weekdays and 2pm to 10pm on weekends. 0800 068 41 41. Text 07786 209697
CALM: The Campaign Against Living Miserably, for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason. Call 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight). Free, anonymous webchat with trained staff.