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A huge congratulations to Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) Sports Lecturer, Callum Clarke, who raised a phenomenal £2752 for the Mental Health Foundation after running 10km every day throughout the whole of January.

After the consistent lockdowns we have all faced in the last 12 months, it was at the start of the year that Callum decided to take on this challenge to try and raise awareness for those suffering with mental health issues, as well as to raise some money for charity in the process.

The Mental Health Foundation mission is to “help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health.” To achieve this, the charity runs community and peer programmes, conducts research, engages with the public through advice and awareness, and advocates for positive mental health through solution proposals and campaigns for change to address the underlying causes of poor mental health.

Reflecting on the challenge, Callum said:

“The challenge itself was an enjoyable one. The hardest part was the first week as my legs were aching after each run but once I got over that initial period it became a routine to just get out and run.

It was enjoyable as I near enough had a different person to run with each night and everyone was so kind in sending supportive messages. Equally, all the donations that I received each day also spurred me on. I even managed to get my PB for 10K on the last day of the challenge, I have never felt so fit!”

Callum previously spoke about his decision to take on this task having struggled with mental health himself after losing his Dad five years ago. His aim throughout this challenge was to encourage people to speak out and raise awareness of mental health, and to hopefully help some people along the way.

After completing a 10km run every day for a month, Callum more than reached his goal as he raised an astounding £2752 on his fundraising page.

Talking about the fundraising, Callum said:

“It means a lot to have raised so much money for a special charity. Especially during these times, positive mental health for everyone should be at the forefront of people’s minds; I think it’s really important that we are checking up on each other regularly. Hopefully it’s not too long until we can begin socialising again!”

HoW College would like to say a huge well done to Callum for the efforts he has gone to in order to raise money for such an important charity.

To learn more about the Mental Health Foundation and support that they offer, visit: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/