My Activity Tracking
620
mi
My target 650 mi
I'm fundraising for Rethink Mental Illness!
On 19 April 2026, I’ll be taking on the Manchester Marathon to raise money for Rethink Mental Illness — a charity that helps people affected by mental illness through advice, support groups, and campaigning for better services.
Mental health is something that’s become very personal to me this year. Towards the end of 2024, I struggled with my mental health. With the help of my wife, Sophie, I learnt a lot about my own personal mental health and how to manage my symptoms.
I started going to therapy in early 2025, which has really helped. Having someone external to my life to talk things through made such a difference. I also learnt how to challenge my anxious thoughts.
When I stopped playing dodgeball last year after an injury, I lost a way to stay connected socially. That lack of connection played a bigger part in how I felt than I’d realised.
For a while, I told myself my experience “wasn’t that bad” — that others had it worse, so mine didn’t really count. But I’ve learned that every mental health struggle is valid. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth talking about.
On my birthday, I decided I wanted a challenge — something positive to focus on — and a marathon felt like the perfect goal. I’m very goal-driven, and I wanted to prove to myself that I can do anything if I really try.
So now I’m running for Rethink Mental Illness, to help them continue their work improving the lives of those affected by mental illness. Every donation helps fund vital services and support networks for people who need them.
You can also follow my training on Instagram, @coolelifts, to see all my runs and workouts along the way!
My Achievements
Has Fundraising Page
Updated Profile Pic
Self Donated
Thanked Donor
50% of Fundraising Target
Raised £250
Reached Fundraising Goal
Increased Fundraising Target
Thank you to my Sponsors
£53.32
Anonymous
£53.32
Michael Fanning
Best of luck Ben!
£40
Mark Coole
£40
Mum And Dad
well done
£39.08
Peter Coole
Proud of you bro
£35
Ben Coole
£32.23
Aidan & Suzie
You got this Ben!
£32.23
Sarah Mcilfatrick
With God's help you can do it Ben, and you might even beat your targeted time. Just enjoy participating to-morrow.
£31.87
Joe Smith
No luck needed because you are going to absolutely smash this marathon!
£27.05
Sofia
£27
Claire And Tony
Good luck Ben! From Claire, Tony and Jack xxx
£21.84
Jayne Main
Good Luck Ben
£21.84
Rachel And Robson
You’ll smash it Ben!!
£20
Dave Prestage
Go smash it!
£20
Michael Douglas
Good luck Ben, you’ll smash it!
£20
Sophie Coole
£20
Grandma Gardner
£20
Jennifer Clare
Good luck from us! Love Jenny, Paul and Freddie
£16.64
Lindsey & Thomas
Have a great run!
£16.56
Emily Busby
£16.56
Darcey
You true inspiration. ROCK IT BEN! 💕👊🏼
£16.56
Jacqui Heptinstall
Well done Ben, great job!
£16.56
Siobhan
£13.46
Bill Morton
Good luck!
£13.17
Lauren & Karl Fearn
All the best! The Fearns xxx
£12
Anonymous
£11.33
Clare
Good luck, Ben! Great cause and an awesome way to challenge/focus yourself through tricky times.
£11.33
Dan Barton
Seen all the hard work you’ve been putting in for so long now. Wishing you the best of luck
£10
Iona
£10
Wellmode Health
Best of luck Ben with your race today. You’ve been so dedicated with your training and physio - congratulations on a great achievement!
£10
Selvi
Good luck Ben!
£1
