Ben Robertson talks about a very unique way he is bringing attention to the Charity MIND

Host Huw chats with the inspirational and possibly the muddiest man in Britain! Ben Robertson on how overcoming his own experiences have now given him a platform to help others. He’s over at the National Running Show this weekend. Here is his story:- For people who know me see and fun sociable, active outdoor obsessed with Trail and obstacle running, walking and generally found running in the hills, forests, moors dipping in rivers and jumping in every puddle, those who really know me know that I have had a lot of personal struggles over the past years which have affected both my mental and physical health. But, even the closest of friends and family were not aware to the full extent to how much I was suffering. After years of personal family/relationship struggles, separation/divorce and resulting life situation began to take its toll and the masking of the mental health effects resulted in physical illness resulting in being hospitalised on multiple occasions due to exhaustion and stress. Then at the end of one normal working day I returned and crumbled into break point, however at this stage my judgement was severely clouded with negativity and exhaustion ….that was the night it went past the point of just negative thoughts and I made the regrettable act of attempt to end my life. Now I don’t believe in miracles or religious in the slightest, but there were 2 very lucky factors that saved my life. Immediately from the awful and regrettable event I received the best help I needed to help me to the road to recovery. The recovery process has showed me how much support is out there if only I had only been able to talk, if not to my friends, family or colleagues. The support I received from my family friends and colleagues/employer was beyond any expectations and for which I and my two adorable children are eternally grateful. Whilst I'm back at work and progressing I appreciate it’s a long road to full recovery if at all but would urge anyone suffering no matter what it may be to talk to someone….anyone! Ben is an associate of @moorlandrunner www.moorlandrunner.com, charties he’s raised for https://www.mind.org.uk/ Barnsley hospice https://www.barnsleyhospice.org/ And The layla milly foundation http://lailamillyfoundation.org.uk/.