On April 24th, I will be taking on my biggest challenge yet. Goosebumps writing this, this is truly something I can resonate with and put my all into for a fantastic cause.

I will be running from Northampton Football stadium (Sixfields) to Stoke’s football stadium. It is split over 3 days.

Day 1 - 26.2 miles

Day 2- 26.2 miles

Day 3- 29 miles

For as long as I can remember I have supported Stoke City. Unfortunately for a lot of that period I have suffered with mental health and suicidal thoughts/ feelings (and not just because of the football!).

A bit about why I’m doing this. Throughout my life things have been immensely up and down due to mental health. I fell on some hard times in 2022 and lost everything including my home after an attempt. Still living in Northampton, I have gone on to later rebuild myself and recently opened up my own barber shop (DARLIN’S est. 29th November 2024). However this run isn’t about me. It is about all blokes who suffered/suffering to show them that no matter how low you go you can get up and push through those dark times. Running without a doubt saved my life and got me back on my feet (quite literally).

The club is built on grit, passion and strength. I am tapping in to use some of that for my mission to support suicide prevention.

#ificanyoucan

Thank you.

Tom Darling x