Former Made in Chelsea reality TV star Josh Patterson ran into Ripon yesterday evening to complete the 21st leg of his marathon effort to raise £1million for the Samaritans.
The 33-year-old aims to run 76 marathons in 76 days, covering every city across the four nations of the UK.
After completing the Ripon stage at the city’s cathedral, he told the Stray Ferret:
“My goal is to raise £1million so that as many people as possible going through mental struggles can get the crucial support they need from the the charity.
“As well as raising money, I’m aiming to raise the profile of the incredible life-saving work that Samaritans do by answering phone calls from people in vulnerable situations and listening, giving guidance and letting those who need help know that they are never alone.”
Josh Patterson is pictured with (from left) Millie Gray, Lottie Venables, Leanne Anderson and Lisa Medd, who ran with him yesterday.
Mr Patterson posted some spectacular images of the Ripon leg of his challenge on his Instagram page here.
On the Justgiving page he has set up, he said he has personally been affected by mental illness over the years and pointed out:
“It is simply unimaginable to have to face mental health problems alone. Just £5 equals one lifesaving phone call (and) raising £1million will fund 200,000 phone calls.”
For yesterday’s Ripon marathon stage, Mr Patterson was joined by a number of local athletes, including Lottie Venables, who said:
“What Josh is doing is absolutely remarkable and I admire him for the way he is raising money for such an important cause.”
Today Mr Patterson is on the road again, with the 22nd leg of his marathon quest in York.
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