My Story

My Story

In 2022, I was going through a tough time. The everyday pressures of life were becoming overwhelming and I felt that I had nowhere to turn. Struggling to cope with stress and anxiety, I felt I couldn't share my burden with my nearest and dearest. This was effecting lots of aspects of my day-to-day life. My relationship with my wife was also suffering as a result of this. I couldn't grasp what was wrong with me and why I felt like I did.

I had heard of Andy's Man Club through different sources, but my perception of the charity was that it was aimed at men who were suicidal, something I felt that I wasn't, which led me to believe that my issues and mental health was not severe enough to warrant going to a session.

I've always been a huge Leeds United fan and have listened to the Square Ball podcast for many years. It was only after listening to one particular pod where someone came on from AMC and explained what AMC was and how it had impacted his life that I decided to take the plunge and go to my local club. That first evening was daunting, worried if I would know anyone there, worried if I'd be judged. It was the complete opposite.

Since this, I have since gone on to attend most weeks and it is now part of my weekly routine. I owe a lot to Andy's Man Club for getting my life back on track. I am much happier now and feel confident enough to share the things going on in my head with others, rather than keeping everything to myself. 

Andy's Man Club, through the events that they organise, have also transformed my life through the introduction of running. I have taken part in a number of fund raising events such as the 10k at Delamere Forest and multiple half marathons to try and raise funds for the charity. 

What next?

So what can top running half marathons such as the Great North Run, Great Scottish Run and the Great Birmingham Run. Well running the TCS London Marathon would be a start. I have the honour of running this in the name of this wonderful charity and I am hoping to raise as much as I can to help others just like me get the help and support that they need. 

Lets make this a challenging...four marathons in four weekends

Manchester Marathon - 19/4/26

London Marathon - 26/4/26

Southampton Marathon - 3/5/26

Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon -10/5/26

All monies raised from this challenge will go straight to Andy's Man Club. My logic was that after completing two marathons last year, four would make things interesting. The time it takes to recover from a marathon will be the hardest part of this challenge but I'm going to give it my best.

So if you are able to spare a few quid, it would be greatly appreciated. I am planning to run a few events over the coming months to drive up the fundraising so please watch out for them. I'm looking forward to the next 9 months of training but looking forward to the big day even more so.

All the best,

Carl