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We're Mind, the mental health charity. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.
I’m Will Armstrong, I’m 24, and twelve years ago, anxiety entered my life. There have been easier days and there have been harder days: the challenge is constant. But, with each day, I have learned how to live with anxiety and live life to its fullest. However, 1 in 4 people in the UK this year will remain to experience difficulty with their mental health at some point.
I owe much of that and where I am today with my mental health to those who gave me the confidence to talk about it, and those who gave their time to listen to me: my friends, my family, my girlfriend, and my counsellor when I was a teenager to name a few.
So, this year I am going to give back.
I will be running twelve marathons – one per month – for everyone who has lived, is living, and may live with the tougher hands that mental health can deal us.
I have never run a marathon before, but I had also never had anxiety before. By having this challenge span over a year, I believe it is far more representative of the constant and ever-changing nature of what our mental health is like. No two days are the same, some are easier, like my rest days will be; and some are harder, like the days where I am running a marathon.
The easiest way that you can support this cause is to donate to my fundraising page which you can find below. Alternatively, you can also join me for part or all of my runs, suggest a route for me to run, and follow me on my socials to stay updated on the mission. If none of those options suit your current situation, and even if they do, then all I ask is that you please make the extra 1% effort this year and forever to check in and listen to your mates and loved ones.
Rich, Nicki and Tom
Phenomenal effort Will , many congratulations on your acheivements so far, keep going! Love Rich, Nicki and Tom xx
Anonymous
What a way to go that was!
The Huysingas
Wow Will, you’re smashing it! Fantastic achievement so far and great cause.
Anonymous
Happy 25th! Have a great day, you deserve it :) x
Anonymous
That was a hot one 🥵
Rajit
Good luck on this epic challenge! Having run 2 marathons this year, 12 is an amazing feat. Whilst we don't know each other directly, I was inspired too by the cause and your personal dedication to it.
Anonymous
Anonymous
Go Will - smashing this!
Anonymous
Great effort keep going!!!
Anonymous
Keep going Will!
Anonymous
Go Will! 6 down 6 to go …
Anonymous
Good man
School of Engineering RFC
Keep smashing it, we loved hitting the tarmac with you last month!
Anonymous
Go Will ( again)!
Anonymous
Tiny Rebel
We are proud to be supporting this fantastic initiative for such worthwhile causes. Go Will!
Anonymous
Anonymous
Another one down. Go Will!
James Faithfull
Mate you are absolutely smashing it! Come do one in Wales and you’ll have a pint of clwb tropica on me!!
Junaid
Had to drop in to donate for the Bristol and Bath Mara, how could I not? This is huge from you bro, very proud and keep smashing it!
Memoona Ahmed
So humbled by the action you’re taking to raise awareness for mental health difficulties. Thank you for doing what you’re doing, from one anxiety-haver to another ☺️ keep going!!!
Kevin Aherne
Hi Will, sorry in the delay in donating I hope this helps. I think what you are doing is a fantastic thing and massive commitment both physically and mentally. Keep going mate and congratulations so far on what you have achieved. I know all around you are very proud of what you are doing. I look forward to a beer sometime with you and your Dad. ATB Kev.
A.S.
III ….well done Will - let me know when + where your next run will be ⭐️
Andrew Ainsworth
Good luck Will. Brilliant effort. Should drag your dad out for one of them.
Anonymous
1.5k!
Anonymous
3rd donation for 3rd marathon completed. Keep going Will!
A. Dog walker
(With thanks to the dog walker who donated in cash as Mara 3 ended yesterday)
Michelle Bareham
Well done Will hope it is going well, such good causes.
Anonymous
Evan Holt
20 laps till boredom. Song request for the playlist sexy back tame impala mash up. Go get it brother!
Simon and Sue Dandy
Great to see you at our Pate’s Alumni fixtures this week and hearing about your challenge of 12 marathons for a great cause. Go well!
Kane Hazard
Awesome work, love what you’re doing! All the very best for the rest of the Marathons, you’ll smash it 💪🏻
Claire Sills
Well done Will! What an achievement for 2 worthy charities.
Zöe Meredith-Smyth
Well done Will. Was lovely to meet you this week, you’re doing a brilliant job! Keep running :)
Anonymous
Second donation for second run down. Well done. Go Will!!
Anonymous
Alan Cunningham
A great cause, and I love your video, what a challenge, 12 big long days. Here to the first two marathons. Well done.
Kirsten de Burgh-Thomas
Lovely to see you again after so long - what an inspiration you are!
Amita Shortland
£5 for each marathon. Well done so far and keep going. You can do it. Good exercise for your dad as well.
Ellie
Such a good cause and great challenge! 2 down, 10 to go and you’ll smash it x
Anonymous
Important causes to support. All the best with it!
Sean
Good stuff mate, will donate again when you’ve completed all 12 xx
Dudman Tidbury HR
Keep the legs moving and well done. Bill & Natalie
Anonymous
Fiona Prattley
What a challenge and what an achievement - good luck with all your marathons!
Anonymous
Anonymous
Martin Cole
Great effort, Will. Mr Cross told us about your project. Rather you than me! Brilliant causes close to my heart.
Anonymous
£10 each run. Keep it up. Go Will!
Becky Thomas
Amazing! All the best will, your a trooper! & so refreshing to see someone speak up about mental health struggles which are all too present today! Best of luck, you’ll smash it! Becky Thomas (Caroline deegan’s daughter!) xxx
Ed Ewens
Go on lad well done today, keep it going! For a great cause as well
Anonymous
Caroline Deegan
Well done Will - looking forward to following your progress x
James Barton
Good luck brother, supporting an amazing cause. Never thought I’d see the day you run one marathon let alone 12.
Charlotte Pitts
Go smash it Warmy, you are amazing!!! Best of luck from Me and Ev:))
Anonymous
Harrison
Best of luck bro! Covering more ground than United have all season!
Matt Robyns-Landricombe
Amazing Will! Good luck for the marathons :p
Fraser P
Brilliant idea mate - will donate £2 for every month complete Good luck!
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