There was a large amount of civic bling on display on Saturday at the traditional opening of the 819th King’s Lynn Mart. Local Mayors, the High Sheriff, Bishop of Lynn, and other dignitaries were in attendance as we marched from the Town Hall to the Tuesday Market Place in the sunshine.
After the formal opening, it was straight onto the dodgems before heading to the helter skelter. Sadly, on Sunday typical Mart weather returned and the snow led to its closure so hopefully conditions will be better for half term and lots of people will enjoy the rides and attractions.
My Sunday began amidst the Mart in the rain for the 8:56 Foundation morning run which meets every weekend at 9am. I was joining them as I will be running the London Marathon in April to help raise funds for their crucial work on men’s mental health.
People may remember me saying before that I would not run the marathon again – but watching it last year inspired me to run it for the sixth time. Of course, the reality is that it involves a lot of training and I spent Sunday morning running 14 miles in the increasingly bad weather - fortunately finishing before the heaviest snow came down.
I chose the 8:56 Foundation because running is important for my physical and mental wellbeing. It is an opportunity to get away from things or think them through, to listen to music or a podcast and enjoy the fresh air in the countryside.
Many men continue to struggle in silence, feeling unable to speak openly about their mental wellbeing until they reach breaking point. The 8:56 Foundation — founded in memory of Lee Calton — exists to change that. Its mission is to build a culture where men can talk, connect, and ask for help without fear of judgement, underpinned by awareness, prevention, and support.
Across Norfolk and beyond, there are rising levels of loneliness, isolation, and untreated mental ill health among men. Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers. When men do not feel able to seek support early, problems can escalate with devastating consequences for families, workplaces, and communities.
8:56 uses sport-based groups from running to cricket, Time to Talk groups, and other activities to create spaces where men feel able to talk, connect, and get support. The demand for these services continues to grow which underlines the need for more funding and wider awareness.
This is a volunteer run charity with no paid employees meaning all funds go direct to support the Foundation’s aim. It also offers a Talking Therapy programme providing specialist support with a therapist when it is most needed. Every £35 raised funds a therapy session that can make all the difference for someone in distress.
I lost a friend who took his own life and I recognise the importance of the 8:56 Foundation’s work. Through my run I want to help raise awareness and encourage more people that it is Time to Talk. Recently, I was able to mention the charity in the House of Commons and recognise the work they and other mental health support groups provide.
If you are able to donate, all support is gratefully received: www.justgiving.com/page/jameswildmp
