An Armagh man and his long-time friend have begun one of their toughest charity challenges yet: running 40 half-marathons in 40 consecutive days in memory of close family members who died by suicide.
Glenn Chapman and Jason are running 21.1 kilometres every day without a rest day. Their challenge is due to finish on October 3, by which point they expect to have covered more than 840 kilometres.
The pair are raising money for the Lighthouse Charity, which provides emotional, financial and wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. They also hope the challenge will encourage more open conversations about mental health and make it easier for people to ask for help.
A personal challenge shaped by loss
Glenn, who turns 40 in October, lost his father to suicide in July. Jason’s brother-in-law died by suicide in 2022. The two families have therefore experienced separate but deeply connected losses, and the men say the challenge is intended to turn those experiences into a positive message for others.
“Earlier this year, my father died by suicide. Jason’s brother-in-law also took his own life in 2022,” Glenn explained.
He said the last few years had been difficult for both families and had reinforced how important it is for people to talk about their mental health before reaching crisis point.
“If sharing our story and taking on this challenge encourages even one person to ask for help, start a difficult conversation or check in on someone they care about, then every mile will be worth it.”
Glenn’s wife Clare contacted Armagh I as the challenge got under way. She said both families had been heavily affected, but that Glenn and Jason were determined to try to find something positive after two terrible tragedies.
Clare is encouraging people to take part in whatever way feels suitable. That could mean joining the pair for the full half-marathon, completing 10 or 5 kilometres, or accompanying them by bike.
“Getting people together and getting people talking is their aim… the message the boys are trying to spread is – it’s okay not to be okay and we all need to be there for each other.”
How people in Armagh can join the runs
Glenn and Jason have been friends for more than 20 years and have previously completed an Ironman together. However, they say completing a half-marathon every day will be a very different test, both physically and emotionally.
Their aim is for the event to involve more than the two runners simply completing their daily distances. People do not need to be runners to participate: they can walk, run or cycle alongside the pair, or come out to show their support.
“This challenge isn’t just about Jason and me,” Glenn said. “We’d love people to join us along the way, whether that’s for 5km, 10km, a half marathon, or whatever distance suits you.”
Glenn will publish the location and route for each day’s run on social media the day before. That means anyone wishing to take part can join for as much or as little of a route as they choose.
Fundraising for construction workers and families
Glenn said the Lighthouse Charity was chosen because it understands the pressures faced within the construction industry and can provide practical assistance when workers and their families need it.
“The Lighthouse Charity provides emotional, financial and wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. They understand the pressures within our industry and are there to provide practical help when people need it most. That’s why supporting them felt like the right choice.”
Clare has asked people to support the campaign by sharing its message and coverage. Donations can be made through the pair’s JustGiving page, while updates are available through Glenn’s social-media accounts.
Glenn is also asking people to join a run, donate if they can, or simply check in on someone they care about.
“So, if you can, please donate to the Lighthouse Charity, share our challenge, join us for a run, or simply check in on someone you care about,” he said. “Let’s see what we can achieve together.”