Josh Patterson (33) may have been Made in Chelsea but he's a man of steel with a heart of gold. The former professional rugby player and star of the Channel 4 scripted reality soap that once pulled in more than a million viewers per episode has been chasing a million himself by running a marathon in all 76 officially designated cities in the UK within 76 days – believed to be the first person to achieve this extraordinary feat of endurance.

Josh has called his world record attempt Run 4 1 Million (R41M) and having recently completed the immense task in front of Buckingham Palace, the funds are still pouring in and have topped £400,000. But why 76 marathons in 76 cities? Josh explains:

"Samaritans have a base in every single city that I will be running through. Mental health can affect ANYONE, anywhere, at any time. This is why it is so important to me to run through all four nations. Showcasing everyone coming together, ignoring boundaries. Collectively, we really can achieve anything." 

R41M began in Inverness on Monday 27 February 2023 with just one runner accompanying Josh as he commenced his 11-week odyssey. As the journey continued, and the publicity surrounding the attempt increased, the number of fellow participants steadily grew until there were dozens of supporters joining and digging deep for Samaritans. 

Josh adds: "I am lucky enough to have a platform on social media and feel passionately about using it to help others. Other than being a father to my beautiful daughter, if I have any other purpose on this earth, it is to change the narrative around mental illness and show what is possible when faced with adversity. If I can make a difference, to stop someone losing a loved one, friend, colleague, then I have reached my goal."

Josh only started running regularly three years ago when his friend had become paralysed after a motorcycle crash. Six marathons in five days and a 24-hour run in his garden were achieved during the Covid lockdown and in May 2021 he became the first person to run a marathon in all four UK countries within 24 hours. However, R41M was on a whole different level of pain, effort, and ultimately, achievement. 

Samaritans are available free of charge on any phone. Just £5 could pay for a life-saving phone call. Suicide is the biggest killer of people under 35 and is still the most common cause of death in men aged under 50 years. You can reach Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123. 

You can donate to this worthy cause on Josh's Just Giving page here

Image courtesy Josh Patterson on Just Giving