A RUNNER from Rugby is limbering up for a gruelling triple-marathon challenge in memory of two friends who committed suicide.
Vinny Gould will run nearly 80 miles over three consecutive weekends, starting in Manchester on Sunday (April 8), before heading to Brighton on April 15 and finishing with the London Marathon on April 22.
Vinny, 40, is taking on the challenge to raise money for mental health charity Samaritans.
He said: “In the past five years, I have sadly lost two friends to suicide and know of several others who have also taken their own lives.
“It was on my way back from my friend’s funeral, when I was struggling with niggling injuries, that I appreciated the resonance of what I was taking on for Samaritans, and how fitting a tribute it would be to my lost friends. It was only then that I fully committed to the physical challenge and the injury niggles seemed to fade away!”
Vinny is using his quest to encourage people to talk if they are going through tough times.
“Mental health can affect us all, our families and loved ones,” he said. “It doesn’t discriminate between race, sex, or the choices we have made in life, good or bad. The common factor is the need for support when everything seems dark, and sometimes this can only be absorbed by someone listening, with complete detachment from the individual.
“This is just one element of the vital work Samaritans provide, so I am extremely privileged to represent them in my charitable and physical challenge.”
He said running had become an essential part of his life, allowing him to function with a clear mind and stay focused.
He said: “I know it’s going to be tough but I really wanted to do something different and with impact to drive the fundraising and challenge myself physically.
I figured if I train hard for one marathon, then I can complete three, with six days of recovery in between the races. Well that the theory – hope I’m not being naive.”
Samaritans events fundraising manager Emma Sutehall said: “Good luck to Vinny with his triple marathon challenge. A marathon is no easy feat and a huge commitment in terms of training and fundraising, so we are extremely grateful to everyone who is supporting Samaritans.”
The keen runner has already reached over half of his £2,700 target. Visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/vinnygould to support Vinny.
Visit www.samaritans.org for more information on the Samaritans and how to support the charity.
