“RWP means strength in numbers. Having someone there to lend an ear whenever you need one. A brotherhood that won’t promise a solution but will promise to listen, anytime. Having someone by your side every step of the way, either on a run or in your life. That’s what RWP means to me.”

Richard

“RWP embodies community, support and love. Men from all over the city who represent an array of backgrounds are able to join together as one, as we run and engage in conversations which allow us to talk about how we really feel without feeling a sense of judgement. RWP reminds me that I’m not alone, it reminds me that I can overcome my current circumstances – it pushes me to be stronger every day. It’s not just a running club but a brotherhood.”

Bernard

“RWP is more than a platform, it’s a family, a truth, a brotherhood. Mental health is something many of us battle, but never speak about. 8 years ago I lost the man I looked up to (my dad), and from that I developed bad anxiety, and would find myself constantly questioning my self, my thoughts and wait for me to be next. Why doesn’t anyone else understand? Why him? Am I next to go? I battled hard times and didn’t want to speak on the matter and what was truly upsetting me and/or how I felt. I spent months/years denying I was angry and upset about losing him. Forward to the start of 2019 I was unemployed for 4 months, which didn’t allow me to get out of bed, I felt depressed, again anxiety came into play and I was in a dark place not understanding what and why I was feeling the way I was. It wasn’t until I was able to see the damage I was creating in myself and loved ones, it made me re-evaluate what needs to be done. At this point I took it upon myself to seek counselling, get back into the gym and start running and through this I am able to start seeing things clearer. I am still on the road to finding complete peace but knowing I have a brotherhood that want to speak, share and support what we have all been through.”

Carl

“Having a smile, remaining positive, being ambitious and making the most of our short time in this world. Can feel very overwhelming. It often felt like the good times were hardly there, and the bad times were always just around the corner. In an instant a high can become a low…
We all have problems and issues that we need to deal with, some more so than others. But that doesn’t mean anyone’s is less significant. My best advice is, seek help when you need it, keep those who matter to you close. Always keep your door open for new opportunities and never give up on yourself. Having good mental health is one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced, and while I may lose sometimes. I always dust myself off and get back up again. No matter where you are and what you are doing. Never give up on yourself and just keep moving forward. I am proud to be part of the Run with purpose family and can’t wait for what the future holds for us.”

Emon