Ben West: The strength behind Reasons To Stay

Jenny Falconer hosts Ben West on this special episode of RunPod, where they dive into the importance of running and mental health awareness. The conversation begins with the incredible success of Reasons to Stay, an initiative started by Ben after the tragic loss of his brother, Sam, to suicide. What began as a goal of sending 100 letters in a week turned into over 4.2 million supportive letters delivered worldwide, showcasing the power of community and kindness.

Ben shares that the project began as a way to connect those who care with those in need during their darkest moments. He emphasizes the significance of simply reaching out, stating that the focus isn't on providing solutions but rather offering warm, anonymous messages of support.

The episode explores Ben's personal journey into running, which he embraced as a source of healing and connection after his loss. Ben recounts his experiences running marathons, including the London Marathon, where he carried a flag featuring the names of 5,343 individuals lost to suicide. This physical representation of memory and support touches on the emotional depth of Ben's mission, illustrating how running has become intertwined with his advocacy.

They discuss the broader implications of mental health awareness and the need for education in schools, particularly for teachers, to better support students. Ben also touches on the partnership he created with Spurs and the Premier League, making mental health support accessible to a wider audience of men—a demographic often less likely to seek help.

Overall, the episode highlights running as more than just a physical activity; it serves as a therapeutic process that fosters community, empathy, and connection, reinforcing the idea that while the journey may be difficult, the rewards are profoundly impactful.