#2023in2023 for Men's Suicide Awareness

Aim: I'm raising money for men's suicide awareness during the cost-of-living crisis, by running 2023 miles in 2023. Proceeds go to CALM.

The Short Story...

I'm raising money for men's suicide awareness during the cost-of-living crisis, by running 2023 miles in 2023. Proceeds go to CALM, registered charity number 1110621. 

The Longer One, starting with Matt...

In December 2019 my friend Matt felt he'd had enough and didn't want to carry on.

Matt was a good guy; fun, cheeky, caring, mischievous, and sensitive. He struggled for a long time with issues relating to gambling, alcohol and money. He had an addictive personality, rarely engaging in half measures; you drink to get drunk, bet to win big or lose the lot. That was just Matt being Matt. 

Until it wasn't.

Looking back from time to time, asking if I should have done more to help, the only answer I ever reach to this periodic torture is an unhesitating yes. 

Current Turmoil

Approaching the 3rd anniversary of Matt's death, we're also heading towards one of the darkest economic and social periods many of us can remember. Taken together, I'd been thinking about the effect of this turmoil on people's wellbeing.

The 2008 recession was associated with increased suicide. In England, middle-aged men were found to be most at risk. 

UK research during the Covid-19 pandemic found that 44% of adults with mental health problems who fell behind on bills either considered or attempted suicide.

Today's cost of living crisis will be taking a similar toll.

Standing Together, United Against Suicide

The time for helping Matt has passed. But at a time of deep instability and mounting cost of living pressure, there are many more men like him who we must help. 

CALM do a great job of building awareness and providing practical support for these guys. In their words "...by provoking conversation, running life-saving services, and bringing people together so they reject living miserably, get help when they need it and don’t die by suicide."

Like many other third sector organisations they are facing big pressure on cost and revenue. It's important they remain fully supported at a time when their services will be needed more than ever. 

Keep CALM and Carry On...Running

Running is important to me, and it's a big part of my strategy for coping with life's challenges. I figured that if I was going to do something in Matt's memory, why not make it something I love? Question now will be how far that love will stretch having done it for over 5.5 miles, every single day of 2023?

My challenge in 2023 will be to run a mile for every year of the common era; 2023 miles, or just under 39 miles a week. In doing so, I'll aim to raise £2,023 for CALM, to highlight the issue of male suicide during the cost of living crisis, and to honour the memory of a great buddy.

Many people are feeling the squeeze right now, so if you can't spare the cash, no worries. Maybe you could give us a like, a share, and pop this link on your social media showing people what to do if they need help? Thanks!

#2023in2023 #UnitedAgainstSuicide #thisonesforbule