Leigh Edwards, who nearly took his own life after suffering auditory psychosis, begins his 10 marathons in 10 days challenge on June 1st when he sets off from Molineux, the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He wants local people to join him at his first event, choosing to run the entire 26.2-mile distance or just for a few metres as he runs around the streets of the city and nearby local towns.
The QA Analyst for Bromford Housing is swapping software and computers to take on the gruelling 262-mile ordeal to highlight the struggle men go through, the importance of reaching out to talk to people and that it’s never too late to get help.
As part of his challenge, he is hoping to raise more than £15,000 towards Mandem Meetup Wolves, a non-profit organisation set-up to create confidential spaces where men can talk to other men that have experienced their own mental health issues, making the conversation more relatable in the process.
“I’ve had my own battles with mental health and, if it wasn’t for my mom, I may not be here today – she spotted I was struggling and got me help. At that stage, I was planning to take my own life,” explained Leigh, who lives in Fordhouses with his wife-to-be and two young children.
“Men find it difficult to talk and ask for help and that’s what we’re trying to change with Mandem Meetup. We’re doing lots of exciting things and activities but need funding to reach as many people as possible and that’s why I came up with this ‘10 in 10’ challenge.”
He continued: “I’ve done a couple of ultras before so have a base fitness. However, this is something else and I’ve had to really train hard to get into a position to take on the 262-miles that will be spread over the 10 marathon routes I’ve designed myself – there’s plenty of hills in there so I haven’t made it easy!”
Mandem Meetup Wolves supports hundreds of local men every year with a dedicated ‘WhatsApp’ group providing a place for them to talk, share experiences and gain help.
It also provides a host of mindfulness and physical activities, including a ‘Work In, Work Out’ programme, hiking up the Wrekin in Shropshire, meditation, talking circles, boxing and wild camping.
Leigh is currently a facilitator for the group, runs the Monday night football sessions and the homeless outreach programme, which takes place on the last Friday of every month at the Good Shepherd.
He is £1500 into his £15,000 target and is urging local people and businesses to get behind the ‘Black Country’ challenge by running with him (routes will be on Strava) or by contributing to his total.
“There has been a lot of great support so far from Allen’s Electronic Security, Sian Computers, Bushbury Gym, Northern Lights Coffee Shop and MeadowLea Logistics, not to mention advice, guidance and training help from Coaching with Katie Ford, Tommy Johnson Massage and Rich Taylor Performance, who has taken my running to the next level,” added Leigh.
Christian Denton, who founded Mandem Meetup Wolves with friend Jamie Lewis, concluded: “To run one marathon is a massive achievement, but to do back-to-back ones for ten days is incredible – actually it’s insane.
“Leigh has struggled with his own mental health issues and we’ve both had friends who have taken their own lives, so this one is personal on several fronts. The more money he can raise, the more men we can help and support in Wolverhampton and the wider Black Country.”
To donate to Leigh’s fundraising efforts, please visit www. https://www.gofundme.com/f/maintain-our-free-services-to-the-men-of-our-community.
More info on Mandem Meetup Wolves can be found here https://www.mandemmeetup.org/locations/wolverhampton.