James Clarke

I'm fundraising for Mental Health UK

✨💙 MY BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISER – LET'S GLOW FOR MENTAL HEALTH! 💙✨

I've got some exciting news to share!

🎂 On Sunday 29th November 2026, I'll be celebrating my 49th birthday!

Yes, it's the beginning of my FINAL year in my 40s! GULP! 😂

This year, I've decided to celebrate my birthday a little differently by doing something meaningful for both my physical and mental wellbeing.

🚶‍♂️ GLOW WINTER WALK 2026

On Thursday 3rd December, just four days after my birthday, I'll be taking part in the GLOW Winter Walk, organised by Mental Health UK!

💙 WHY IS WALKING SO IMPORTANT TO ME?

Walking plays a very important role in my everyday life, particularly for my physical fitness and mental wellbeing.

As part of my fitness plan, I'm aiming to achieve a minimum of 8,000 steps every day.

Walking helps me stay active, clear my mind, manage stress and maintain a positive routine.

I've also secured a place in the London Marathon 2027, which will be my first London Marathon in 27 years!

I'm currently preparing by combining walking, running and strength training. I'm also attending regular gym sessions with my personal trainer at MyPT Croydon.

For me, it's all about building fitness, improving my wellbeing and challenging myself!

👁️ LIVING WITH USHER SYNDROME

As many of you know, I am profoundly Deaf and severely sight impaired due to Usher syndrome.

I have very restricted peripheral vision, often described as tunnel vision. I also experience balance difficulties, which can make walking on uneven ground, navigating obstacles and moving through crowded environments more challenging.

I also have night blindness, meaning my vision becomes much more restricted in low-light conditions.

BUT HERE'S SOMETHING INTERESTING! ✨🌈

Despite my night blindness, I can still see bright, colourful Christmas lights clearly against the darkness!

I absolutely love seeing those beautiful colours glowing at night.

That's one of the reasons why this GLOW Winter Walk appeals to me.

Of course, walking in darkness presents additional challenges because of my Usher syndrome, so I'll be walking with my communicator guide on Thursday 3rd December to help me navigate safely.

💙 WHY MENTAL HEALTH UK?

Mental health is something very close to my heart.

We all face challenges in life, whether physical, emotional or psychological.

Sometimes the greatest struggles are the ones nobody else can see.

I believe everyone deserves understanding, kindness, inclusion and access to mental health support when they need it.

That's why I've chosen to support Mental Health UK through this special birthday fundraising walk.

🎁 MY 49TH BIRTHDAY WISH

This year, instead of receiving birthday presents, cash or cards, I would much rather see donations going directly to Mental Health UK.

My fundraising page has an initial target of £150.

However, I would LOVE to raise £260 – a special little nod to the year 2026! 🎯

Wouldn't that be fantastic?!

Whether you donate £2, £5, £10 or whatever you can afford, every contribution would mean so much to me.

And if you're unable to donate, please consider sharing my fundraising page with your friends and family.

💙 MY FUNDRAISING PAGE:

https://fundraising.mentalhealth-uk.org/fundraisers/jamesclarke

🏃‍♂️ AND WHAT ABOUT THE LONDON MARATHON 2027?

Just to clarify, my London Marathon place is a completely separate journey.

I'm NOT running the London Marathon to raise money for Mental Health UK.

I've got something different in mind for that very special occasion, and I'll make an announcement in the New Year! 😉🤫

For now, my focus is on celebrating my 49th birthday, improving my physical and mental wellbeing, and raising £260 for Mental Health UK through the GLOW Winter Walk.

Thank you so much in advance for your kindness, encouragement, donations and support.

Let's shine a light on mental health together! ✨💙

James Clarke
James BSL Usher

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