My name is Josh Wood, and this April I’m running 50km across the month to raise money for Men's Minds Matter and support the vital work they do to prevent male suicide.

Over the past few years I’ve experienced my own struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. There were times where I felt incredibly isolated and unsure how to talk about what I was going through. Like many men, I found it easier to keep things to myself rather than open up about my mental health.

At the beginning of 2026 I decided I wanted to make a fresh start and focus on turning those experiences into something positive. While scrolling through Facebook I came across Men’s Minds Matter and started reading about the work they do to support men who are struggling. Their mission to challenge stigma and prevent male suicide really resonated with me, and it made me want to get involved.

That’s why this April I’ve set myself the challenge of running 50 kilometres across the month to raise money and awareness for the charity. It’s not just about the distance — it’s about helping start conversations that many people still find difficult to have.

One of the biggest messages I want to share through this challenge is that you are not alone. So many people struggle silently, and too often suicide is treated as a taboo subject that people avoid talking about. But having open conversations about mental health can make a real difference.

If sharing my story encourages even one person to speak up, reach out, or realise they’re not alone, then this challenge will have been worth it.