Throughout 2026, James McLeod is taking on an incredibly personal running challenge in memory of his dad, Jimmy, while raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
Sadly, Jimmy died by suicide on 30 November 2025 at just 52 years old, following a long battle with his mental health.
In his memory, James created 52 for 52. Throughout the year, he is running an average of 52 miles every week for 52 weeks, representing the 52 years of his dad’s life.
Alongside completing the miles, James is raising money for the If U Care Share Foundation and raising awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.
Running has given James somewhere to channel the grief of losing his dad into something positive, but 52 for 52 has become about far more than accumulating miles. Through sharing Jimmy’s story and the challenge, James hopes to encourage people who may be struggling to talk, reach out and seek support.
James is also currently training for the Valencia Marathon in December, meaning the final stages of his marathon preparation and the race itself will coincide with the final weeks of 52 for 52.
He has already had the opportunity to discuss his dad’s story and the challenge on Hits Radio. His aim is simply to use running and Jimmy’s story to reach people who may need to hear the message and encourage conversations that could genuinely make a difference.
To find out more about 52 for 52 and support James’s fundraising for the If U Care Share Foundation, visit his JustGiving page.