The series follows the stories of four inspiring individuals who turned to physical fitness to manage their mental health after their lives were impacted by suicide.
Diving into the worlds of running, cycling, boxing and powerlifting through intimate interviews and firsthand accounts, we learn about the ways in which these people have used exercise during difficult periods in their lives, both to improve their mental health and to become part of a community where they can talk openly about their feelings, ultimately changing their lives.
Cycling and talking has without doubt helped me deal with Nelson's death and improved my mental health, and now it's incredible to watch other people feel the same benefits.
The first video, Tour de Test Valley, introduces CALM Trustee Marcus Chapman, a cycling and running trainer who set up the ‘Nelson’s Tour de Test Valley’ cycling sportive in honour of his friend Nelson Pratt who died from suicide. Nelson, a professional Olympic snowboarding coach, was passionate about cycling, and Marcus started the annual event as a way to encourage people to talk about their own mental health. The event now attracts over 1000 participants each year.
We'll also meet Stefanie Stavri who started the Run4Rene running club following the passing of her brother Rene; former professional footballer and boxer Leon McKenzie, who attempted suicide after a career-ending injury took an extreme toll on his mental health, and is now a CALM ambassador and boxing coach; and author and journalist Poorna Bell, who turned to powerlifting after her husband’s suicide.
Watch the films, get inspired and get moving with CALM!
LVL headed #1: Marcus' story
Marcus lost his best friend, professional snowboarder Nelson Pratt, to suicide. This is how fitness and a sense of community helped him recover, and launch the incredible Tour De Test Valley
LVL Headed #2: Stef's story
After losing her brother Rene to suicide, Stef turned to running to help process the grief. Now she leads a running group, Run4Rene, founded in his memory to help others through life’s tough points.
LVL Headed #3: Leon's story
After an injury ended his football career, CALM Ambassador and ex-pro footballer Leon McKenzie went through a period of depression that lead him to consider taking his own life. Here's the incredible story of how boxing helped him turn things around, and empowered him to help others too..