Wigan runner will do 75 miles around the DW Stadium to shine light on male mental health

Aaron Woodward has run miles and miles this summer and so far collected more than £2,000 for suicide prevention charity CALM, which he wanted to support after trying to take his own life earlier this year.

Despite never previously running further than a half marathon, he has now completed two long-distance challenges - running two marathons in two days and going 53 miles along the canal from Wigan to Leeds.

Now 28-year-old Aaron, who lives in Newtown, is heading to the DW Stadium for his next fund-raiser.

Starting at 5am on Saturday, October 3, he will run 75 miles around the wall of the stadium - approximately 200 laps.

He said: “I’ve decided to put my town in the spotlight this time and also show my support to Wigan Athletic during the tough times they’re going through regarding the administration.

“But as usual, I am mainly doing it for male mental health and I think doing it around DW Stadium, which hosts both Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic, where a majority of the fan base are male, is a great way to shine light on male mental health and raise as much awareness as possible.”

While running in circles for more than 12 hours may not sound very exciting, it does allow Aaron to have an aid station where he can leave water, food or anything else he may need.

And it will be possible for anyone wishing to join him for part of the run to tag along.

Aaron said: “I am encouraging people from my local area to join me for a few laps, even if it’s just one lap, just to shine a light on what I am doing."

It will be the third running challenge this year for Aaron, who has big plans to keep going and raise more money, but also awareness of the importance of good mental health.

He is supporting CALM after trying to take his own life earlier this year, spending six weeks in hospital and being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Aaron will also be running in memory of his sister Tracy, who was just 36 when she died by suicide in 2015.

To sponsor Aaron, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/aaronwoodward