6 years ago I met a guy called Lee Calton, he was a friend of a friend and we invited him to join us at a test match at Headingley. When we picked Lee up I was slightly nervous, never met him before and we were about to spend the next 48 hours in close proximity!! Within 10 minutes I knew I was going to love Lee's company and knew that he was a great bloke; humorous, fun, kind, caring and passionate about sport. Over the next few years we went on several cricket trips together ,and through his work Lee became my financial adviser and did a great job. In 2020 he set up his own business, he also co-owned a hair and beauty salon and he ran the London Marathon 3 times for charity. He was incredibly popular, well respected, successful and had a loving family.

On April 15th this year, aged 37, the world tragically lost Lee to suicide.

The 8:56 Foundation has been set up by Lee's family and friends with the aim of raising awareness of men's mental health, increasing the profile of support for men's mental health and reducing the stigma associated with men's mental health.

Why 8:56? Well that was the train that Lee and his friends would catch on a Saturday morning to go and watch his local football team, King's Lynn play. These days were fun days, filled with laughter, friendship, sport and of course the odd beer or two!! 8:56 represents happy times, fond memories and a group of young people who were there for each other, it represents strength, support and the sense of belonging that can be found in a group.

Not everyone has something terrible happen to them, just like Lee, some people are successful, loved and financially secure but still need support. By using sport as an aid, the 8:56 Foundation aims to encourage men to talk and reduce the risk of loneliness and isolation.

To support the 8:56 Foundation and in memory of Lee, I will be running the Cambridge half marathon on Sunday October 17th.

If you are able to, please donate whatever you can to this great cause. Suicide is the largest killer of young men, lets try to stop it. Thank you