A retail property director from Bristol is less than 100 miles from completing a four-week ultramarathon as part of a campaign to raise money for mental health charity, Boys in Mind.
Alma Retail's Tom Keys-Toyer is expected to finish his 630-mile run along the South West Coastal Path this Saturday (30 November), concluding a month-long challenge that started in Minehead, Somerset, on 2 November.
Keys-Toyer is running in memory of his son Sam, who died by suicide in 2020, aged 17. By running the entire South West Coast Path, the property director wants to raise awareness and funds for positive mental health support in boys and young men.
He has already more than tripled his initial fundraising target of £10,000, with donations exceeding £32,000 for the Bath-based charity dedicated to tackling the stigma surrounding mental health in young men.
A motorhome crew has supported Keys-Toyer during the challenge, providing meals, hydration and essential supplies. The support crew camp or find suitable rest stops each night, preparing for the next day's 26-mile challenge.
He is expected to complete his run in Poole, Dorset, around 12 noon on Saturday, with 10% of funds raised going to the South West Coastal Path Association for upkeep and maintenance. Keys-Toyer described the run as a "physical and emotional challenge" but was grateful for the support he has received, which he described as "overwhelming".
He added: "Knowing that am dedicating this run to my middle son Sam spurs me on every step and the fact I'm raising awareness and funds for Boys in Mind, a cause so close to mine and my family’s heart, keeps me going.
"I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated, shared my story and cheered me on. And I hope this challenge has raised the much-needed awareness that it is okay for boys and young men to be vulnerable, to talk and share their worries and that it is so important for them to look after their minds.
"I hope that this challenge encourages boys and young lads to open up."
Boys in Mind works to promote mental health awareness and support for young men aged 10-25 through counselling, mentoring and group work. It works with children, young people and professionals in a range of settings to promote good mental health and prevent suicide.
To donate to Keys-Toyer's Good Hub fundraising page, click here. You can read more about the charity by clicking on this link.
The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.