Over 60 runners to champion mental health at Ipswich Half Marathon
Combat2Coffee has rallied more than 60 runners to participate in Sunday's Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon, all wearing matching vests to raise awareness that mental health matters for veterans, ex-uniformed personnel and their families.
Why it matters: The Ipswich-based Community Interest Company will use the high-profile race to champion mental health awareness in the community, with founder Nigel Seaman saying the mission could help save lives.
The details: On Sunday, 21 September, the runners will proudly wear their Combat2Coffee vests as they take to Ipswich's streets, united by one clear mission: to raise awareness and show the community that mental health matters.
Every penny raised from the run will go straight back into Combat2Coffee's projects, enabling them to continue providing vital support to those who need it most.
What they're saying: "I feel honoured and privileged to have so many people running for our message," said Nigel Seaman, founder of Combat2Coffee. "Mental health matters, and if we can get this word out within the community, if our work saves just one person's life, then we have done enough."
Among the runners will be Major Brew, Combat2Coffee's mascot, who will bring energy and smiles to spectators while shouting loud and clear that mental health matters.
Connor Banks, the face behind Major Brew, said: "Combat2Coffee personally helped me during some tough times, and many other people who have struggled or needed somewhere to go or someone to talk to. Now it's my turn to raise awareness and give something back."
The bigger picture: Combat2Coffee is supported by ten local organisations who sponsored their running team: Sodexo, Chestnut, GBS Builders Ltd, Lofty Heights CIC, Aquabridge Law, Moss HR, Optimus – Coffee & Vending Services Consultancy Limited, UP Building Products, Whip Street Motors and Heavenly Hair.
Together, runners, sponsors and supporters are making a powerful statement, breaking stigma and showing that nobody has to face mental health challenges alone.
The bottom line: This Sunday's half-marathon represents more than a race for Combat2Coffee's team – it's a community-wide call to action that mental health support matters, with every step taken helping fund vital services for those who need them most.
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