Running a 50km ultra-marathon across Dartmoor for charity

Henry Ives, the founder of online personal training platform H+ Performance, is running a 50km ultra-marathon across Dartmoor in aid of the Charlie Watkins Foundation. Here, Henry explains why he is doing this and how exercise has been a vital part of his life.

I became a personal trainer in 2013 after a bad skiing accident which put me in hospital for 10 days with a ruptured kidney.

This very much changed my outlook on life – it made me realise how we need to not be afraid to do what we want to do.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 halted plans for me to open up my own training studio in London, which meant 2020 was a very stressful year for me.

I turned to exercise and running during the pandemic, especially the lockdowns, as a way of release from the stress and nerves.

I have therefore challenged myself for 2021 to traverse the whole of Dartmoor in an ultra-distance event.

This is to not only test myself against the difficult terrain Dartmoor offers, but to also raise vital funds for a foundation close to my heart, the Charlie Watkins Foundation.

Charlie’s father and mine are cousins and I remember Charlie fondly growing up with his brother, Harry.

I didn’t know Charlie was struggling with mental health issues to the extent he was when he was at university. I also struggled with depression and anxiety in my last year of university and, like him, I had always found it difficult to talk about it.

Back then I was so reluctant to seek help or talk to anyone because I was afraid about what they might think of me and I felt guilty for “burdening” people.

We need to change this narrative surrounding depression and anxiety, which is why I think the work that the Charlie Watkins Foundation is doing is so important.

My mindset on mental health is so different now from how it used to be and a big part of that is my exercise regime and lifestyle.

For me, exercise makes me feel great, which is why I do it. I’m a big believer that you should be using your body as much you can while you can!

Introducing regular exercise has so many benefits, including improving mental health and overall wellness.

So, why not buy some trainers, set aside some time and start jogging tomorrow? Who knows, maybe you’ll be joining me soon for an ultra-marathon too!

If you would like to support Henry in this challenge and help us to make a difference, please consider making a donation.

The Charlie Watkins Foundation strives to raise funding for vital projects to help young people across the UK who are facing serious mental health challenges. We are currently working with Student Minds on a vital assessment tool for universities and YES on a project supporting 11-16-year-olds.

If you would like to hold an event or fundraiser for the Charlie Watkins Foundation, please do this through our JustGiving page.