For Men To Talk attendees are ready for the Virtual London Marathon 2022
On Sunday 2 October 2022, whilst visiting Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton or Sutton, you may see seven members of the men peer support group ‘For Men To Talk’ walking a 26.2 mile marathon.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the London Marathon moved to the month of October in 2021 and 2022, from the normal April, and also introduced a virtual event. This means that there is an opportunity to complete the 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 kilometres) distance from home.
“One of the most important things of being fit, is that it relieves stress and eliminates depression. It’s something that is discussed frequently in our ‘For Men To Talk’ physical and virtual meetings”, said founder Luke Newman. “With that in mind, I have been looking for an opportunity for the men in the group to work towards something, whilst getting fit. The Virtual London Marathon was a perfect fit”.
Joining Luke on the walk for will be James Dunn, Jonathan Gorman, Ben Jarvis, Nick Stewart, Julian Treves-Brown and Michael Thorn. All men have been following a twelve week plan, hoping to their improve their self-perception and self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, and also to reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue.
“The training has helped not only my physical but my mental health too,” said James Dunn. “It has given me a positive focus and helps clear the mind. I feel a great sense of pride and achievement.”
Jonathan Gorman agrees; “Our training walks for the virtual London Marathon have ticked a lot of the boxes that help me with my mental health. It includes a sense of purpose and a sense of achievement, fresh air and exercise, friendship and good company.
“Getting out and active with the guys, training for this big event has been massive for both my physical and mental health,” concludes Ben Jarvis. “To be working towards this with a great group of guys, talking and enjoying the fresh air on a weekly basis has really pushed my mentality in a positive direction and I look forward to the big day with the boys.”
As well as improving their physical and mental health, the group will be raising money which will go towards helping more men at ‘For Men To Talk’. So we wish all the good luck to Luke, James, Phillip, Jonathan, Ben, Nick, Julian and Michael.
For more details and to donate, please head to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/FMTTLM22
‘For Men To Talk’ is a chance for men suffering with anxiety, depression and grief to talk with other fellow sufferers. They hold regular monthly meetings in Biggleswade, St.Neots and Cambourne, as well as weekly virtual meetings. See https://www.formentotalk.co.uk for more information.