Sean Martin, my best friend of 15 years, sadly decided to take his own life on the 3rd of November 2023. Sean, an extremely creative individual, was firstly diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his early 20's. The diagnosis, however, didn't stop him from pursuing the things in life which he was most passionate about. His band "The Night Cafe" went on to release their debut album "0151" in 2019, which was a beautiful creation amidst the ongoing problems he was dealing with in his personal life at the time.

Shortly after the release of the album during the lockdown of 2020, Sean began experiencing chronic migraines. He tried every treatment offered to him, but the pain he was suffering with was slowly becoming too much. I remember going for one of my last walks with Sean and speaking about how he was trying to cope with the pain. He told me how he had gone every day for the previous month suffering with some sort of pain. Eventually the chronic pain quickly surpassed what was bearable, and he decided that he did not want to continue suffering from this invisible illness.

Sean perhaps unknowingly taught me a lot of lessons in life. The fact that he maintained the ability to create the music that he did, whilst battling with his own personal health battles is something to admire. He was extremely vocal on the matter of men’s mental health and used his platform to advocate issues surrounding both bipolar disorder and chronic migraine. He was an inspiration to many, and especially to me throughout our friendship. Showing the world immeasurable amounts of strength, courage and determination – a beacon of light through times of darkness.

The reason I began running, was to help deal with the grief of Sean’s passing. So, on the eve of the 2-year anniversary this November, I will be attempting to run my fastest Marathon yet in New York City. I am not only doing this as a celebration to Sean’s life and the inspiration he has had on mine, but I am doing this to raise awareness and make an impact on Men’s health as a whole.

Movember is the leading charity on creating an impact on Men’s health. They tackle issues surrounding mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer & testicular cancer. Since 2003 they have funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, impacting men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.

Although Sean is my biggest inspiration for doing this run, this will also be dedicated to my brother, my grandad, and to all the men who have made an impact on my life who have suffered with health in any way. So, in the lead up to this November, join me in helping raise funds and making a massive impact on the face of men’s health!