Mind Over Miles team honours late friend with running challenge

All money raised from the 350km feat will benefit Rethink Mental Illness and raise awareness about men’s mental health.

A group of close friends from Brighton is preparing to take on an extraordinary physical and emotional challenge: running from Swansea to Brighton, covering roughly 350 kilometres over eight consecutive days – to raise awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

The team, known as Mind Over Miles, is made up of runners Oliver Graves, Toby Graves and Reece Gayler, three lifelong friends who will run approximately 45km each day. They will be joined and supported throughout the challenge by their close friend Lewis Edwards, who will provide vital on-hand support whenever and wherever needed, offering nutritional, motivational and physical assistance across all eight days.

The run begins on May 3 from Clyne Golf Club in Swansea and finishes on May 10 at East Brighton Golf Club, a symbolic route that connects the two home golf clubs of their late friend Ben Cummings. Ben tragically ended his life earlier this year following a battle with mental illness. His loss has become the driving force behind the challenge, with the group determined to honour his memory and help others who may be silently struggling.

“We are trying to turn pain into purpose,” said Oliver Graves. “We want to use this challenge to show that it is okay for men to feel emotional, to be vulnerable, and to admit when they are struggling. Too often, men feel they have to bottle things up, we want to challenge that. This is about breaking the silence and showing that strength comes from openness, not from hiding how you feel.”

“Training for this challenge has already changed my life,” added Reece Gayler. “Getting up early to train as a group has given us space to talk about what we’re going through, what we’re excited about, and gain real clarity before the working day begins. Too often, the alarm goes off and the day becomes reactive, you feel out of control until you’re home from work, and by then, it’s too late and you’re too tired to prioritise your wellbeing. This has flipped that on its head.”

Toby Graves added “This challenge is both physically and mentally demanding, but every step we take is driven by something far greater than ourselves – we remind ourselves that it’s nothing compared to what Ben went through. We’re incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received — whether it’s a like, a share on social media, or a donation through our JustGiving page, every gesture means the world to us.”

The team is proudly fundraising for Rethink Mental Illness, a leading national charity that provides vital support, services and advocacy for those affected by mental health challenges.

The runners have strong roots in the Brighton community. Oliver and Toby are twin brothers and sons of Phil Graves, Founder of Graves Jenkins; Reece is the son of Ryan and Karen Gayler, of the Dockerills family; and Lewis is the son of Paul Edwards, Director of Shadow Surveillance. All three are respected local businesses backing the challenge and the cause.

In the UK, 80% of suicides are male, and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50. The group’s mission is to break the stigma, raise awareness and encourage more open conversations around mental health.

The public is warmly invited to join the runners for any part of the route, whether one kilometre or a full marathon. Route details will be released soon on Instagram via @ukmindovermiles.

The challenge is also supported by High5 Nutrition, a Brighton-based brand supplying all nutrition and hydration products for the team throughout the journey.

To follow their journey or make a donation, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/ukmindovermiles

Instagram: @ukmindovermiles

For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Toby Graves.