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Discover more about Men's Health Month (November), download free resources and access relevant training.

Men’s Health Awareness Month: November

10 Years of Impact. 10 Mates in Mind Places. One Incredible Challenge.

In 2027, Mates in Mind celebrates its 10th anniversary.

For the past decade, we’ve worked alongside employers to improve mental health in and through work, helping organisations raise awareness, end stigma, implement effective evidence-informed interventions and create workplace cultures that are built on psychosocial safety.

In 2027, Mates in Mind celebrates its 10th anniversary and these 10 runners are doing something incredible. Meet Team Mates in Mind ....

Meet Team Mates in Mind

Daniel - Running for Better Mental Health in Construction

After spending the last 10 years building and running a construction business, Daniel knows first-hand the pressures that come with business ownership. Like many in the industry, he has experienced the highs and lows that come with leading a company, from sleepless nights worrying about debts and cash flow to making difficult decisions and carrying the responsibility of keeping a business going when everything feels stacked against you.

There have been times when the pressure came dangerously close to breaking him. For years, Daniel simply kept going, putting on a brave face, and convincing himself that carrying the weight alone was part of the job. Over time, he learned that resilience doesn't mean handling everything on your own.

Today, Daniel regularly sees a therapist who specialises in supporting business owners, something he describes as a gym for the mind. Having a safe, judgement-free space to talk openly has had a positive impact on both his personal wellbeing and professional life.

Daniel believes that while we often prioritise our physical health, mental health deserves the same level of care and attention. He is passionate about encouraging others to keep an open mind about seeking support and having conversations when things feel overwhelming.

Working in construction, he has heard far too many stories of people losing their lives to suicide. Behind every statistic is a family, a group of friends and a workplace left dealing with the devastating consequences.

That is why Daniel has chosen to run the London Marathon 2027 for Mates in Mind. Having received his place through the ballot, Daniel is our super bonus Team Mates in Mind member.

By taking on the 26.2-mile challenge, Daniel hopes to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and fund vital support that can help save lives. Daniel is aiming to complete the marathon in 3 hours 30 minutes and raise £3,000 for Mates in Mind. Please support Daniel and help him make a difference for mental health across the construction industry.

Show Daniel your support and help him raise funds for the industry he loves: Daniel's fundraising page.

Jon - Running for the Industry I Love

"After many years of applying, I am incredibly proud to have secured a place in the London Marathon 2027 for Mates in Mind, a charity that is helping to transform the way we think and talk about mental health.

2027 will also mark my 44th year working in the construction industry. During that time, I've seen positive changes in how mental health is understood, but I've also seen the pressures that people face every day. Long hours, demanding projects, financial worries, job insecurity and personal challenges can all take their toll, regardless of role or seniority.

Throughout my career, I have witnessed the impact these pressures can have on individuals and their families. I've seen people struggle in silence and, sadly, I have known people who have lost their lives as a result of poor mental health. Those experiences stay with you and reinforce just how important it is that people know it's okay to ask for help.

When I first started in construction, talking about mental health simply wasn't something people did. Thankfully, attitudes have changed, and charities like Mates in Mind have played a significant role in breaking down stigma and encouraging people to look out for one another.

Running 26.2 miles will be one of the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken, but I know it is the right challenge for a cause that means so much to me. I'm running for everyone who has struggled, and for those who have supported friends, family members and colleagues through difficult times.

Thank you for supporting my journey. Every donation will help Mates in Mind continue its vital work and ensure more people get the support they need when they need it most."

Show Jon your support and help him raise funds for the industry he loves: Jon's fundraising page.

Kai - Running for Charlie

"In 2023, I lost one of my best friends, Charlie, after he struggled with his mental health.

Losing Charlie was devastating. He was truly one in a million, a person who cared deeply about everyone around him and always put others first. His loss has left a huge hole in the lives of his family, friends and everyone who knew him, and it is something that will stay with us forever.

I'm running the London Marathon 2027 to honour Charlie's memory and help raise awareness and funds for Mates in Mind, a charity doing vital work to improve mental health, challenge stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it.

Having spent my career in construction, I have seen first-hand the pressures people can face both at work and in their personal lives. Through my roles at HS2 and now Barhale, I have also seen the positive difference Mates in Mind can make by helping people talk more openly about mental health and look out for one another.

Running 26.2 miles will be one of the biggest challenges I have ever taken on, but I'm doing it for Charlie, for everyone struggling with their mental health, and for those supporting loved ones through difficult times.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting my journey. Every donation will help Mates in Mind continue its important work and help more people get the support they need."

Show Kai your support and help raise funds in Charlie's memory: Kai's fundraising page.

Michael - Running for Change

"

I am incredibly proud to be running the London Marathon 2027 for Mates in Mind, a charity whose work means a great deal to me.

This challenge is about much more than 26.2 miles. Over the last two years, I have lost six stone through determination, commitment, and a complete lifestyle change. Not so long ago, the idea of running a marathon felt impossible, so having the opportunity to stand on the start line in 2027 is something I don't take for granted.

Having worked in construction for the past 15 years, I have seen first-hand the pressures that people face. I've known colleagues and friends who have struggled with their mental health and, sadly, I've known people who have lost their lives to suicide. Those experiences stay with you and reinforce just how important it is that people know they don't have to suffer in silence.

That's why supporting Mates in Mind matters so much to me. The charity is helping to break down stigma, encourage conversations and ensure that more people feel able to seek support when they need it.

Running the London Marathon will be one of the toughest challenges I've ever taken on, but I'm doing it for everyone who has struggled, for those who support them, and for a cause that can genuinely change lives.

Thank you for supporting my journey and helping me make every mile count."

Show Michael your support and help him raise funds to make change happen: Michael's fundraising page.

Oliver - Running to Make Conversations Count

"I'm running the London Marathon 2027 for Mates in Mind because I believe mental health should be taken just as seriously as physical health in the workplace.

Having spent my career in construction, I know how much pressure people can face, whether they're on site or in the office. Too often, people struggle in silence because they don't feel comfortable asking for help. I want to support a charity that is helping to change that by encouraging open conversations and creating workplaces where people feel able to speak up when they're struggling.

The work of Mates in Mind really resonates with me. Their mission to raise awareness, reduce stigma and improve mental wellbeing across the construction industry is something I feel strongly about, and I'm proud to be fundraising on their behalf.

Running 26.2 miles will be a huge challenge, but it's one I'm excited to take on. I'll also be representing Make One and encouraging my colleagues to get behind the fundraising and support this important cause.

Every mile and every pound raised will help Mates in Mind continue its vital work and encourage more people to check in on one another, start conversations, and seek support when they need it.

Thank you for supporting my journey and helping to make a difference."

Show Oliver your support and help help ensure that every conversation counts: Oliver's fundraising page.

Pearce - Running for Chris

Seven years ago, Pearce’s Dad lost one of his oldest friends, Chris, to suicide. Since then, Mates in Mind has been a constant presence for Chris’s family, Michelle, Tom and Chloe, as well as many of the friends and communities affected by his loss.

The charity's impact has been clear to see through events such as the annual Shaggy Cup, where countless people come together to remember Chris, raise awareness and generate thousands of pounds each year to support better mental health.

Although Pearce did not know Chris as well as many others did, he witnessed the profound impact Chris had on those around him and the lasting impact he continues to have. Seeing the support provided by Mates in Mind has reinforced the importance of ensuring that nobody feels they are facing their struggles alone.

Working in the construction industry himself, Pearce has also experienced first-hand the pressures that many people face in the workplace. Tight deadlines, demanding projects, and the constant drive to deliver results can take a significant toll on mental wellbeing, particularly for young people building their careers. He feels strongly about the importance of checking in with colleagues, friends and family, and creating an environment where people feel able to talk openly when they are struggling.

That is why Pearce has chosen to run the London Marathon 2027 for Mates in Mind.

As a further connection to the charity, Mates in Mind is proudly featured as the main shirt sponsor of his Saturday football team, a partnership that the whole squad is proud to represent. By taking on the 26.2-mile challenge, Pearce hopes to raise vital funds that will enable Mates in Mind to continue their work in taking action to challenge the stigma that still surrounds men's mental health.

Every mile he runs is in memory of Chris and in support of a future where more people feel able to seek help when they need it most.

Show Pearce your support and help him raise funds in memory of Chris: Pearce's fundraising page.

Sara - Running for Mental Health

"I am delighted to be running the London Marathon 2027 for Mates in Mind, a charity doing incredible work to support mental health and wellbeing across the construction industry.

Having run the London Marathon before, I know there is plenty of hard work ahead, but I also know what a special event it is and the difference it can make for charities and the people they support. Being part of Team Mates in Mind is something I am incredibly proud of.

Mental health is a cause that matters deeply to me. Working in construction, I know the pressures people can face both in and outside of work. Sadly, many of us know someone who has struggled and felt they had nowhere to turn for support.

That's why the work of Mates in Mind is so important. The charity helps people and organisations create healthier workplaces, encourages open conversations, and reminds people that they are never alone.

Running 26.2 miles will be a challenge, but I'm proud to be taking it on for a cause that has the power to change lives. Every donation will help Mates in Mind continue raising awareness, reducing stigma and supporting those who need it most.

Thank you for supporting my journey and helping us ensure that no one has to face their struggles alone."

Show Sara your support and help her raise funds to end workplace mental ill-health: Sara's fundraising page.

Stevie - Running for Mental Health

"I am incredibly proud to be running the London Marathon 2027 for Mates in Mind, a charity whose work means a great deal to me both personally and professionally.

This opportunity is the fulfilment of a dream more than 15 years in the making. For years, I entered the ballot and applied for charity places, hoping that one day I would have the chance to stand on the start line. I've always admired the determination and resilience of marathon runners and quietly told myself, "one day that will be me." Thanks to Mates in Mind, that day is finally becoming a reality.

Mental health is a cause that is very close to my heart. During my years as a professional ice hockey player and throughout more than 30 years in construction, I have seen first-hand the impact that mental health challenges can have. Sadly, I have known people who struggled in silence and lost their lives to suicide, and those experiences have stayed with me.

They have reinforced just how important it is to talk, listen and check in on one another. Sometimes, the simplest conversation can make the biggest difference.

Running 26.2 miles will be one of the toughest challenges I have ever taken on, but I am proud to be doing it for a cause I care deeply about. Every mile and every pound raised will help Mates in Mind continue raising awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging more people to reach out for support when they need it.

Thank you for supporting my journey and helping to make a difference."

Show Stevie your support and help him raise funds to end workplace mental ill-health: Stevie's fundraising page.

Tracy - Running for Brook

"In 2019, I lost my friend Brook to suicide.

We had been friends since we were 13 years old and shared countless memories over the years. Brook was the life and soul of any gathering, with a cheeky smile and a personality that lit up the room. His loss has stayed with me ever since.

Brook left behind two young children, his fiancée, and a loving family.

In his memory, I wanted to do something meaningful while also raising awareness of the importance of mental health and supporting those who may be struggling in silence.

That's why I'm running the London Marathon 2027 and fundraising for Mates in Mind. The charity's work to improve mental health and wellbeing is helping to create environments where people feel able to speak up and access support when they need it most.

Running 26.2 miles will be one of the toughest challenges I've taken on, but I'm doing it for Brook, for his family, and for anyone who may be facing their own struggles."

Show Tracy your support and help her raise funds in Brook's memory: Tracy's fundraising page.

Secured Your Own Place?

If you’ve already secured your own ballot place, we’d still love for you to join us as a fundraiser and be part of this landmark anniversary year. Join Team Mates in Mind by emailing [email protected].

As part of our team, you’ll receive the same support and benefits as our charity place runners, without a minimum sponsorship pledge.

Other ways to get involved

If you can, please:
  • Donate to the fundraising page(s) of Team Mates in Mind (once the team has been announced).

  • Sign up to our newsletter (using the form at the bottom of this page) to be kept informed of the Team’s progress.

  • Help fundraise for us, either through your own activities, or, if you were one of the lucky ballot entrants and will be running next year’s marathon – find out how you can become part of 'Team Mates in Mind' below.

For more information on how you can get involved please use the link below:

Contact Us

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Your donations and support, enables our charity to continue helping organisations across the UK to improve and prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of their workforces, providing them the skills, clarity and confidence to invest in the health of their people.

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Continue reading - Fundraising

Whether organising your own fundraising activity (no matter how active, wet or muddy you choose to be!) or taking part in an organised annual event, you’ll be helping us to raise funds and awareness for Mates in Mind.

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