ONE THOUSAND Kilometres, FOUR EVERESTS of elevation, ONE month.

Who is Guy and what did he do?

Guy is one of the founders of the A Million Metres campaign, and in October 2023 he ran the entire length of the South West Coast Path. The SWCP is the UK’s longest foot trail, covering 1,015km (631 miles) and scaling over 35,000m of elevation (think of climbing up and down Mount Everest FOUR times). The idea for this challenge was dreamed up whilst trekking in the Himalayas.

Completion in one month was the aim, so Guy created a 28-day route plan (which you can view above) that allowed for a maximum of three rest days to complete the trail within the 31 days of October. This equates to 30-40km of running/hiking every day. Throughout the month Guy was supported by family and friends who hosted and assisted him along the way, some of whom dared to take part in sections of this epic challenge alongside him.

Why did Guy run the South West Coast Path?

Back in 2013 Guy’s lovely Mum Ali took her own life after struggling with her mental health. November 2023 marks 10 years since Ali passed away, a very significant anniversary for Guy, his family, and everybody who knew and loved Ali.

Since Ali passed away, Guy and the community of Cheddar have suffered the passing of other loved ones, many of them much younger than Ali. The issue of suicide within our small community in Cheddar as well as across the nation and the world, is far far too prominent.

“Mum’s spirit lives on in my every step and breath, especially when I’m out on the trail. This will be my hardest challenge yet, but I’m doing it in memory of Mum and for anybody affected by suicide. Together we are so much stronger.”

Guy on the finish line of his ultra-marathon fundraiser in Snowdonia, September 2022.

Guy has made it his life’s work to create positive action and help people improve their mental health. He is bringing forward the story of his Mum Ali, as well as his own personal experiences and the subsequent loved ones who have suffered with mental health problems and taken their lives. Pairing these tragic events with his love of trail running and exercise, he aims to raise as much awareness and money for relevant and helpful charities.

As well as fundraising and awareness, Guy hopes that his (slightly mad) challenge will inspire people to get out and exercise for their own benefit. He has found that exercise has pulled him through very tough times and is a big advocate for the use of exercise to improve mental health. Guy isn’t a professional athlete, he’s just a normal bloke. If he can run 24 marathons and climb four Everest’s in a month, you can get up and do whatever you set your mind to as well.

What do Papyrus do?

SUPPORT:

We provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through our helpline, HOPELINE247.

EQUIP:

We engage communities and volunteers in suicide prevention projects and deliver training programmes to individuals and groups. This includes equipping local councils, healthcare professionals and school staff with suicide prevention skills.

INFLUENCE:

We aim to shape national social policy and make a significant contribution to the local and regional implementation of national suicide prevention strategies wherever we can. Our campaigning comes from our passion as individuals, parents, families and communities who have been touched personally by young suicide. We press for change in many places using hard-hitting and dynamic campaigns as well as presenting evidence to those in power so that lessons can be learned and learning implemented to help save young lives.