Alex Cobb

Paris Marathon 2025

My Activity Tracking

15
mi

My target 20 mi

Join the Movement: Fundraising for Mental Health UK

Why I Choose Mental Health UK  

As a man under 30, I've noticed that despite increasing awareness around mental health, there remains a significant stigma, especially among my peers. Even though society preaches acceptance, many still view mental health issues as a taboo topic. This realization has motivated me to choose Mental Health UK as my charity partner for my next challenge.  

After completing the London Marathon in 2024, I found myself searching for another way to push my limits while making a meaningful impact. I want to lift the lid on the reality of mental health issues and address why we often fail to take them as seriously as we do physical health. The tendency to avoid discussing these matters signals a larger issue in our culture, where seeking help is still not encouraged for men, as we often default to visiting our GPs, who may not always provide the support we need.  

Mental Health UK is dedicated to changing this narrative. They engage in various projects year-round, working with different groups to provide vital resources and support to those in need. Their approach fosters a community where people feel safe to share their struggles, encouraging more men to seek help. By addressing mental health openly and creating inclusive environments, Mental Health UK helps to break down the barriers that prevent us from discussing our challenges.  

Together, let's turn awareness into action and push for a society where mental health is prioritized. Every effort counts, and by fundraising for Mental Health UK, I'm excited to play a part in making a difference. It’s time to take the conversations out of the shadows and into the light.

My Achievements

Has Fundraising Page

Updated Profile Pic

Thanked Donor

Increased Fundraising Target

Self Donated

Raised £750

50% of Fundraising Target

Reached Fundraising Goal

My Updates

Bouncing Back: Dorney Half Marathon & The Road to Paris

Wednesday 19th Mar

After a tough few months navigating injury, I’m thrilled to say I’ve completed the Dorney Half Marathon! It wasn’t just about crossing the finish line—it was a major milestone in getting back to full training for the Paris Marathon in April. Running alongside so many other dedicated runners reminded me why I do this: the challenge, the discipline, and the drive to keep pushing forward.

This race marked a real turning point in my training. Since January, I’ve now run a total of 1,442 km—something I could hardly have imagined when I was struggling to get back into form. With Paris just around the corner, I’ve stepped things up a notch, adding intensity to my sessions and focusing on endurance, strength, and recovery. The next few weeks are going to be crucial in fine-tuning my preparation for race day.

Beyond the personal achievement, this journey is about something far greater: raising awareness and funds for Mental Health UK. The work they do is vital, offering support, guidance, and resources for those struggling with their mental health. Having seen first-hand how important these services are, I’m determined to do my part in ensuring they can continue their incredible work.

To help reach my fundraising target, I’ll be out collecting donations over the next few weeks. If you’re in the area, you’ll find me at Sainsbury’s and at Chiltern Rail stations, spreading the word about Mental Health UK and encouraging as many people as possible to support this cause. Every conversation and every donation—no matter how big or small—helps make a real difference.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far—let’s keep going and make this effort count!

Thank you to my Sponsors

£10

Jennifer Cranshaw

Proper job!

£27.05

Matthew Domagala

Well done Beast!!! 💪🏼 🏃🏻💨💨💨

£10

Anonymous

More power to you. Excellent cause!

£6.11

Fathima Farook

All the best. Hope you achieve your goal and more

£44

Anonymous

Good luck Alex :)

£10

Daniel Spencer

£27.05

The Armitages

Good luck from all of us!

£16.56

Anna Marks

Good luck Alex.

£27.05

Diane Elliott

Well done training for this Marathon, and supporting this charity.

£4

Alice Hasall

Good luck Al! X

£7.25

James Sharkey

Good luck smashing the Paris Marathon! Enjoy the sights, soak up the atmosphere, and keep pushing—vous avez ça! 🏃‍♂️🇫🇷💪

£5

Ed Gemmell

£25

Jack Davies

What a man Good luck Alex!!

£11.33

Stuart Monk

£16.03

Dennis Oliver

Just wanted to send you a huge good luck for the Paris Marathon! You’ve put in the hard work, and now it’s time to enjoy the experience. Take in the sights, soak up the atmosphere, and trust in your training. you’ve got this! No matter what happens on the day, just crossing that finish line is an incredible achievement. Stay strong, keep pushing, and most importantly, enjoy every moment. Wishing you an amazing race

£11.33

Ann Pendlebury

Good luck Alex

£32.23

Rebecca Cobb

Good luck Alex! A very worthy cause and I’m sure all your training will pay off!

£27.05

Steve Basford

£5

Anonymous

£11.33

Clive Harriss

Keep up the good work

£31.95

Anonymous

£10.65

Anna Day

£10.65

Cllr. Yetunde Elebuibon

I am a councillor from Doncaster, though Alex is not from my ward. I am supporting this cause cos I think it's laudable idea. All the best Alex.

£15.98

Anonymous

£10.65

Ryan Bell

£5.33

Amna Abdallah

£68.90

Anonymous

So many people I know have had struggles with their mental health - so glad you are running to help others like them. Keep up the training and all the best with the run in April. It is so good that you continue fundraising!

£5

Cllr Liz Pole

I am a city councillor, though not in Alex's ward. I'm supporting you Alex to encourage all our communities in Exeter to shine brighter and dream bigger, and to support your development as a thought and community leader, and to support your great cause of bringing mental health conversations out of the shadows and into the light.

£10.65

Rachel King

Good luck

£10.65

Julian Freeman

Best of luck on the day.

£53

Stephen Cobb

A worthy cause helping to support people with their mental health. Hope your marathon training is going well!

£26.63

David Lidington

Best wishes for Paris. Train hard & enjoy the event.

£50

Alex Cobb

Why did I donate myself to my marathon effort in Paris? Because after those training runs, I thought, "If I can’t outrun my past bad decisions, at least I can donate myself to the finish line!" Now I just hope they accept 'sweat equity' as a valid form of contribution!

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