Ben Wiley’s incredible journey from despair to triumph is nothing short of inspiring. Six months ago, this 24-year-old from Llanrumney, Cardiff, was globetrotting, visiting places like Malaysia and New Zealand—on the surface, living the dream. But inside, he was battling severe mental health struggles. During a tough stint in New Zealand, Ben reached a breaking point. In a bold move, he bought a pair of trainers, went for a run, and ended up completing his very first marathon!
Since that pivotal day, Ben has covered an astonishing 3,000 kilometres, even conquering back-to-back ultra-marathons. He’s turned running into a tool for mental wellness and is passionately encouraging others, especially men, to open up about their mental health. On September 26, Ben took on a gruelling 24-hour run around the Eastern Leisure Centre, clocking an unbelievable 206.43km to raise money for the Jacob Abraham Foundation—a charity close to his heart that supports mental health and suicide prevention in south Wales.
Reflecting on his mental health journey, Ben shared, “I was in a dark place and if it weren’t for my family noticing, I might not still be here.” Therapy played a crucial role in his recovery, but when he found himself in a low place once more amidst a partying lifestyle while travelling, he turned to running for purpose and solace.
Ben candidly shares how running allows him to clear his mind and keep negative thoughts at bay. His motto? Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. With no prior preparation, Ben managed to run a marathon on a whim, later achieving ultra-marathons, proving we can achieve remarkable things with determination and focus.
Now back in Wales, Ben continues his running adventures, completing a 100km run just last July, and pushes his limits with challenges like his recent 24-hour run. Through these efforts, he hopes to smash the stigma surrounding mental health and inspire others to seek help and talk openly about their struggles.
Ben’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how tough life gets, there’s always a way forward, and speaking up about mental health can make all the difference. If you want to support Ben’s cause, donations to the Jacob Abraham Foundation are warmly welcomed. Let’s get the conversation going and show that it’s okay to not be okay.