We Did It! For Men To Talk completed the Virtual London Marathon 2022

On Sunday 2 October 2022, whilst visiting Biggleswade, Sandy, Potton or Sutton, you may have seen 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.

“There were aches and pains, but it was an incredible day”, said ‘For Men To Talk’ founder Luke Newman. “I can’t tell you how proud of I am of all the walkers, what an achievement!”

Joining Luke on the walk was 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.

“It goes without saying that this is a proud day. I never thought I could walk a marathon”, said James. “It shows the hard work of all the hundreds of miles training for three and a half months has paid off. What made it easier was the camaraderie, teamwork, laughs and all the great chats and conversation a group of like minded men had over this time”

“What kind of crazy parallel universe have I landed in, where I get to receive a medal for the London Marathon?”, said Michael. “I guess it’s a world where teamwork, support, respect and encouragement means that a group of men with a common interest can work together, walk together and talk together”.

As well as improving their physical and mental health, the group were raising money which will go towards helping more men at ‘For Men To Talk’. You can still donate at 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.