A man who is running a 1,000 mile route from Land’s End to John O’Groats and then cycling back to Cornwall will pass near Cwmbran on Friday.
Drew Jonkmans, 26, will set off from Cardiff on Friday on day six of his challenge to raise money for youth mental health support across the UK, including thousands of counselling sessions through Cwmbran-based charity bigmoose and support for BecomingX Foundation, which helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their full potential.
His route to Hereford will see him cross Malpas in Newport, so if you’re in that area, keep an eye out for him.
He’s called his trip, Project Endure, and said: “In 2022, I was in a really dark place. I had no direction, no confidence and I was slowly giving up on myself. Running saved my life. Now I’m using it to help others find their way too.”
On the UK’s mental health crisis, he added: “It can be too easy for people to fall through the cracks. I want people to know support is out there – and that real change is possible.”
‘More lives saved’
Chloe Smith, COO at bigmoose, said: “We’re honoured to be supported by Drew’s challenge. The challenge isn’t just about miles covered, it’s about lives changed. Every pound he’s raising for bigmoose means more people getting therapy when they need it most, more lives saved, and more hope for the future. His effort and fundraising will help so many people. Thank you Drew.”
Filmmaker Ewan Champion-Smith is documenting the journey to share Drew’s story and highlight the growing need for mental health support across the UK.
👉 Follow his journey and donate here.