Frazer Campbell running the London Marathon for The Royal Foundation’s ‘Heads Together’ campaign

Frazer Campbell, running the London Marathon for ‘Heads Together’

Frazer Campbell, an assistant manager at Currys PC World Carphone Warehouse in Rochdale, will be running the London Marathon this weekend to raise awareness for The Royal Foundation’s ‘Heads Together’ campaign.

This year’s marathon is designated the ‘Mental Health Marathon’, which carries a personal connection for Frazer after suffering with his own mental health and finding solace in running.

Frazer Campbell, 24, said: “I would describe myself as a normal lad who enjoys socialising with my friends and family, but in 2015 I began struggling to cope with life’s everyday bumps, until I began talking about it and ultimately found solace in running.

“I’m from Scunthorpe originally but moved to Manchester six years ago, and I’m now Assistant Manager at Currys PC World Carphone Warehouse in Rochdale.

“It was two years ago I suffered a breakdown. There was no single cause for it, but I remember finding it very difficult to talk about how I was feeling. I tried to ‘shake myself off’ and ‘get on with things’, but this time I just couldn’t.

“My friend suggested that I seek support from professionals. This decision changed my life.

“It wasn’t easy for me to accept that I needed help but the people around me had begun to notice a change in my behaviour and my attitude to life. It was putting a strain on my friends and family, as well as putting everything that was important to me in jeopardy, so a friend suggested that I seek support from a professional. It was tough and took courage to overlook the stigma, but I contacted a helpline and was referred for some counselling. This decision changed my life.

“It doesn't matter how strong you are, or if you laugh things off. I believe that sometimes you just need to talk about your issues. And that's okay.

“Just a few months later, in July 2016, an opportunity came up at work to run the Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones 100km Ultra-Marathon and I believe that this was a truly life changing moment. I felt a physical relief and improvement in my mental wellbeing.

"Running, quickly became my escape. This year, I will be completing a lifelong dream by running the London Marathon for Heads Together, a campaign that I hope will end the negative stigma that comes with mental health issues, and let those suffering know that it’s okay to seek help.

“When running, I feel relief from life’s worries and troubles, it’s like a physical weight has been lifted.

“Now, I'm mentally and physically healthier than ever. With amazing support, I managed to get control of my thoughts, my emotions, my life. I promised myself that I would do anything I can to give back and raise money for the amazing charities that help people who are battling mental health issues.

“Running the 2017 London ‘mental health’ marathon will be a challenge like no other, but I’m so proud to play a part alongside my employer, in helping to change the conversation around mental health.”