Matt Bagwell created an event called ‘Run the Country Ultra’, which saw him run more than 1m050km across England in September 2021 to raise funds and awareness for male suicide prevention and World Suicide Prevention Day. 

He ran 21 consecutive ultra marathons (an ultra marathon is a distance past 26 miles) across England and raised more than £50,000 for charity for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). 

Matt crossed 43 county borders in England before finishing in London on 5th October, and had an aim to help spread awareness of the sadly high male suicide rates and spread hope that it is always possible to ask for help.

Listen to our chat with Matt, where he speaks about what got him through the intense physical challenge, why our mindsets are so important, and shares tips and inspiration for others to take on their own challenge. 

CHAPTER MARKERS:
1.23: Matt introduces his challenge
2.46: What inspired him to take it on
4.38: The impact of his fundraising
6.08: How (and why) he got others involved
8.39: How he managed to get through it
10.58: The importance of mindset
13.37: The finish line
16.24: Advice on fundraising challenges
18.58: What does defiant optimism mean to you?
20.25: Where find out more

Find out more about Run the Country Ultra: https://runthecountryultra.com/
Donate to Matt's JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runthecountryultra
Support CALM: https://www.thecalmzone.net/