Chris’ Blog: Why I will be running 6 challenges for MFT

Chris, an Investigations Officer in the Major Crime Team at Surrey Police, has chosen MFT to be the charity he supports when he runs a total of 156 miles over 6 running events, including one in Texas and another in Latvia! (MFT has also been chosen as the Surrey Police “Chief’s Charity of the Year”).

Chris wrote a blog to explain the motivation behind his epic ambition and what he hopes to achieve in the process:

“I serve with Surrey Police in the Major Crime Team. I was born and raised in the county of Surrey, I have served with several Police forces across the country and lived in Plymouth for several years.

Mental health is a topic that is extremely close to my heart. I lost my mother to suicide in 2011 and next January she would have been 60 years old. I was thinking about how I could honour her birthday when I had the idea of completing ‘6 events for 60 years’.

I have previously raised nearly £2,000 for various mental health charities like Mind and the Mental Health Foundation, but this time I thought it would be great to do the same but for a more Surrey-specific charity.

Over the next 12 months, I will be taking part in:

• The Dorney Lake half-marathon on 14 July 2024

• The Surrey half-marathon on 8 September 2024

• The Leicester half-marathon on 13 October 2024

• The Austin Marathon in Texas on 16 February 2025

• The Isle of Wight ultra-marathon (65 miles) on 3 May 2025

• The Riga Marathon in Latvia on 18 May 2025

I’d like to reach out to those in need of Mental Health support, and say that by seeking help and support, it would be the best thing that they can do for their own wellbeing. It will be a journey, and with the support in place; there is light at the end of that tunnel. I am hoping to continue my own journey of raising awareness for Mental Health and being an advocate for the importance of recognising Mental Health in ourselves and those around us. By doing my bit for Mental Health within my home county, I will be contributing towards assisting the people of Surrey.

I have been training for these challenges since late 2023, I first took up running in 2016 and have previously completed several running events. With regards to preparing myself “mentally” for these events, knowing what the goal is has inspired me to remain both focussed and committed to ensuring that I am in the best position possible, both physically and mentally.

Chris training for his challenges

This is likely to be the final stand against Mental Health in terms of running events that I will be competing in. I regard it as the end of the journey, which I set out on back in 2016; a journey that I must finish. It’s a journey that my Mum tried to finish with her own Mental Health issues, however, sadly couldn’t continue and took her own life. Completing these events will be one of my greatest achievements. I must do it for the people. I’m feeling ready to beat Mental Health again, and I know that I have the overwhelming backing behind me.”

Sponsor Chris and wish him good luck!

It would be great if you could support Chris by making a donation (of any amount!) to cheer him along with this superstar challenges! Thank you!

To sponsor Chris, visit his fundraising page: https://fundraising.maryfrancestrust.org.uk/fundraising/chris-searle-runs-6-challenge-events-for-mft

Interested in challenge events?

If you are interested in doing a challenge event (a walk, run, skydive, you name it!) for MFT and would like to discuss the process, please contact Biba, our Fundraising Officer, at biba@maryfrancestrust.org.uk or call 07877 846392.

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