A man from Balham is getting ready to take on a 100km distance challenge this September in memory of his childhood friend, Ed, who died by suicide last year.
27‑year‑old Harry Bennett, originally from Hughenden Valley in High Wycombe, will walk and run 100km doing the Thames Path Ultra Challenge on 12 September to raise money for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), dedicated to preventing suicide and supporting people in crisis.
Harry and Ed met in 2009 and grew up side by side as both teammates and friends. From hockey pitches to holidays, nights out to everyday life, Ed was a constant presence in Harry’s life.
“Ed carried a light that reached people in ways words can’t explain,” Harry said, “He was always smiling, always making people feel welcome. Losing him has been devastating.”
In January last year, Ed died by suicide. The loss changed Harry’s life, and he has since dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds in Ed’s memory completing a marathon earlier this year.
“I’m going even further taking on 100km along the Thames Path, this is about pushing myself beyond anything I’ve done before, to raise more awareness and more funds for a cause that matters so much.
“Losing Ed taught me that you never truly know what someone is carrying, if sharing his story gives just one person the confidence to ask for help, or inspires someone else to check in on a friend, then that’s far bigger than any run.”
Harry says taking on endurance challenges has become his way of keeping Ed’s memory alive.
“Doing these challenges and raising money is how we keep Ed’s name alive. It brings me real comfort, and I’m going to keep doing it.
“I’m running 100km because I’d give anything to have one more conversation with Ed. If this challenge encourages even one person to talk openly about mental health before it’s too late, it’ll mean everything.”
CALM provides life‑saving support through helplines, webchat, campaigns and community outreach, working to challenge stigma and ensure people in crisis have somewhere to turn.
To donate to Harry’s fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/harry-bennett
Over 3000 participants will be lining up with Harry from the Putney Bridge start and heading upstream to Henley along the famous Towpath. There are three quarter, half and quarter distances available along with separate Thames events, the Thames Bridge Trek and The Moonlight 10 Walk on the same weekend, all part of the Ultra Challenge Series.
You can still sign up to all these events and 2027 entries for the series’ UK-wide events are now available, at: www.ultrachallenge.com/thames-path-challenge
