Walsall man running 10k-a-day in memory of mother
A runner has set himself a challenge of jogging 10km-a-day during December to raise funds for charity in memory of his mother.
Richard Bishop will be covering around 192 miles in total – more than seven marathons – in honour of his mother Fay Hodges who died just last month.
The 39-year-old will become a regular sight running around his home village of Pelsall, Walsall, and will even be putting in the miles on Christmas Day.
It is all in aid of mental health charity Mind and the father-of-one has already raised more than £840, smashing his £500 target.
Richard’s mother died on November 5 and had suffered with mental health problems and alcoholism for a number of years.
Mental health
Richard, an account manager for Key Forensic Services, said: “Addiction sometimes goes hand-in-hand with mental health issues.
“It’s been a struggle for all of her family really, she had a history of depression and anxiety in the last few years and the condition got worse until she couldn’t work.
“The alcoholism had been in my mum’s life on and off but it became more apparent in the last three or four years.
WATCH: Richard explains why he's running the challenge
“My mum used to drink to numb the pain but it became a vicious cycle.
"She had difficulty accessing mental health services as she was told they needed to help her alcoholism before her mental health but they were intertwined.
"I want to raise awareness and get it out there.”
Richard said started running after he quit smoking and it now helps him with the grieving process.
He has done a few half marathons but this will be a challenge on a new level for him.
Richard added: “When I went on my first run I stopped and recorded myself speaking to the camera talking about it all.
"As a consequence of doing the video, a lot of people have stepped forward to talk about their mental health struggles.
“People have been incredibly supportive, but also open and honest.
“This is in remembrance of my mother but also it’s about raising awareness of mental health and trying to get people to talk about it.
"I've been blown away by the amount raised already and people's support, people have been really open."
To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-bishop12
