Thanks for checking out my fundraising page!

Whilst it isn't easy to admit, like many people, I have struggled at times to maintain a sense of 'being ok' (whatever the heck that means) through some challenging times pre and during lockdown. Luckily, 2 things have helped me enormously in getting to and staying in a more positive mindset. Firstly, a fantastic set of friends and family that I have been able to talk to and have supported me. Secondly, I have found great solace and positivity in getting a hell of a lot fitter and as a lot of my long suffering social media followers will know, I have been hitting the hills of Sheffield and the Peaks more and more over the last few months.

I wanted to use my re-found passion for running to raise some money and awareness for Sheffield Mind, who do some fantastic work in helping support people who need some support with their own mental health. Their mission is to intervene early to improve well-being and provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and de-stigmatise mental health conditions.

The challenge has been set to me by my good friend in Philadelphia, Ian Poush (who I met when he was managing security on my local bar in Manayunk in 2009). On the 16-18th July we will simultaneously be running 48 miles in 48 hours - consisting of a 4 mile run every 4 hours - starting at 9pm Thursday, and going through to 5pm Saturday (yes including through the night). I will be choosing 12 different routes around Sheff and the Peaks, and aim to be joined on them by a number of friends/supporting businesses (feel free to get in touch with any offers.....)

I have no real clue how hard this will be or if I can finish it...but I will be giving it my all and would love any support / donations you can spare. Likewise, please try to take a few minutes to check out Sheffield Mind, and remember it is ok to not be ok - and to reach out to those around you.

Thanks for reading! I don't apologise for the social media spam that is to ensue ;)


***UPDATE 3/7/2020: I am absolutely delighted to have hit my £4,000 target with just under 2 weeks to go. Therefore I am upping the target to £6000 to see if we can raise as much as we can for this great cause! Thanks to everyone who has donated so far!***

***UPDATE 7/7/2020: You can hear more about my motivations for running and supporting Sheffield Mind here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lThK3b4qDzA&t=12s ***

***LIST OF RUNS AND TIMES:
Thursday 9pm - The Bulls Head in Ranmoor (pre run drink from 8pm)
Friday 1am - Worrall - Oughtibridge
Friday 5am - Redmires Reservoir
Friday 9am - Sharp Consultancy - Trans Pennine Trail - Tinsley Canal
Friday 1pm - Sheffield Mind
Friday 5pm - Netrunning with Bruce & Butler and friends, Kelham Island
Friday 9pm - Early Bar (pre run drink around 8.30pm)
Saturday 1am - Worrall - Oughtibridge
Saturday 5am - Hallamshire GC
Saturday 9am - Redmires FC - Endcliffe Park - Forge Dam
Saturday 1pm - 'Run Hen Run' - Dam Flask
Saturday 5pm - Wadsley - Hillsborough Park
***

***So I completed my 48 miles in 48 hours! Here were the vital stats:
Miles run: 49.88
Time ran: 450 minutes (7 hours 30 mins)
Calories burned: 7750
Incline climbed: 3096 feet
Runners in Sheff/virtually: 112
Radio Sheffield chats: 3!

Massive thanks to everyone who ran, supported and donated. It means the world to me and the world to Sheffield Mind. It was a gruelling but fantastic experience and one I will not forget. Thanks again!

https://www.strava.com/athletes/52295770
***

Ben Graney