'Crazy' challenge in support of men's mental health

A man is taking on a "crazy" challenge completing a marathon in his wheelchair on a set of rollers to raise awareness for men's mental health.

Les Hampton, from Gloucester, is taking on the challenge at Everlast Gym, in Cheltenham on Saturday, teaming up with Gloucester-based Archie Matthews Trust for a special day of "fun, fitness and fundraising".

Mr Hampton said his friend Jay, who he met through the gym, "sadly took his own life" and that "members of the gym wanted to do something in his memory to help raise awareness".

Alongside the Archie Matthews Trust, they are fundraising to support the gaps in young men's mental health.

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Mr Hampton's racing wheelchair will be on a long roller in the gym, which "really will be a challenge," he said.

With no hills to roll down, and continually having to use his hands, he said "you wouldn't normally do this".

"So I've no idea how long it's going to take me, but it will be hours".

"Jay would say I'm crazy but would really encourage me if he knew what I was doing. He would always say in the gym 'come on Les, just one more'."

The team is hoping to raise about £2,000.

Other challenges gym members are attempting on the day include a marathon swim, a charity spin and a community challenge to try and push a sledge down a 15m (about 50ft) track, for 3,500 lengths, wearing 50kg (110 lb).

Gym manager Jo Allen said: "It's going to be tough and we'll need all the help we can get from members," many of whom were friends with Jay.

He said men's mental health needed a lot of support as it was a big problem.

"In gyms, behind the testosterone and heavy weights being lifted, you'll find a lot of young lads who might suffer, but it's something we definitely don't talk about enough."

Steve Matthews, chairman of the Archie Matthews Trust, which is named after his son, will be at the challenge with his wife and Archie's mum, Steph.

"Archie was a wonderful lad. Everyone who met him would have said he was a bright confident funny guy with lots of friends," Mr Matthew's said.

"He was a big lad. But behind that he did struggle with his mental health. He had ADHD, was autistic and struggled with anxiety, then later depression. He sadly took his own life last year," he added.

Mr Matthew's said they set up the trust to "plug some of the support gaps we found through Archie's experience".

They hope to help young men and boys - particularly in Gloucestershire - and particularly those with neurodivergence, as they are at a high risk of mental health issues and suicide, he said.

"Jays story really resonated with us and we're just trying to help where we can so others don't have to go through what we did," he added.

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