Ballen runs for Mental Health

I am raising vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.

Hello! I'm Ben, and this November, I'm taking on the San Sebastian Marathon. For those who know me, this might come as a shock—I've never run more than 5 miles, let alone 26.2! But I've reached a point where I need to make a change for my mental and physical health and to prove to myself that I'm capable of more.

For years, I've had mental health challenges, struggled with my weight, and dealt with various forms of addiction. I’ve told myself countless stories to justify my actions—stories about being a "big guy," about how my excessive eating and drinking were okay because I exercised occasionally. But after years of self-sabotage, everything changed last October when we were blessed with a little boy. He's given me a new reason to become the best version of myself.

The truth is, I still wrestle with bad habits, and my mental health is an ongoing battle. But it's time for something drastic. I want to turn this journey into an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for those in need.

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For over a century, they've helped former servicemen and women deal with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today, they provide support to veterans from every service and every conflict. During my 8 years in the Royal Navy, I saw first-hand the incredible support they provided to many of those I served with.

Combat Stress is on a mission to raise awareness that invisible wounds can be just as challenging as physical ones. They help veterans confront the past and take on the future. So, I’m asking for your support as I embark on this journey—not just to test my limits, but to shine a light on the invisible battles that so many are fighting, and in memory of those who’ve already lost.

more information about Combat Stress can be found here - https://combatstress.org.uk/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ea1BhC6ARIsAEOG5pw5Dqcp4NswnLKS5Iiu-0roKERqK6zefZ2QBuTQoIs5KSj65lbyPtMaAjkZEALw_wcB

Any contribution you can make will go a long way in supporting this vital cause. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.