Former army medic William Johnson, 56, is preparing to run the Half Marathon this Sunday,12th October, to raise funds for Mind UK and promote awareness for men’s mental health.
Johnson, who served more than 20 years in the British Army, says his experience in the forces taught him the importance of resilience – but also the cost of silence and hiding away from trauma.
He said: “In the forces, you’re trained to be strong and never show weakness but, mental health struggles don’t go away just because you ignore them.”
After leaving the military, Johnson faced a difficult transition post-serving, struggling with anxiety and depression.
After seeing therapists and taking medication to aid his struggles, Johnson still felt without peace.
He turned to gardening as a way to cope, after his friend suggested it as a way of “self-therapy”, helping him regain focus and a peace of mind.
He said: “Tending a garden gave me something to nurture again. It’s calm, quiet, and it saved me.”
Sunday’s race marks his first ever charity run, with all fundraising dedicated to Mind UK, where he feels attention to men’s mental health is needed and prominent.
He’s already raised £2000 through local donations and hopes to up his donation before getting his running trainers on, on Sunday.
Event organisers say more than 5000 runners are expected to take part in this year’s Bournemouth Half Marathon, which follows the scenic coastal route from Hengistbury Head to Bournemouth Pier.
Johnson’s main message to others is simple: “You don’t have to be a soldier to fight a battle. Talking and opening up is the bravest thing a man can do.”
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