London Metropolitan University's Head of Estates Operations, Tony Dow, has completed an intense physical challenge to highlight the stark realities of men's mental health in the UK.
Date: 19 November 2025
Content warning: This article discusses mental health struggles, suicide statistics, and personal experiences with suicidal thoughts. Support is available for students and staff at London Met and from external groups like Samaritans. If you need help, call them on 116 123.
Tony Dow, London Metropolitan University’s Head of Estates Operations, took on the Mental Health Marathon at London Met’s Holloway Road Gym on International Men's Day, 19 November.
Tony chose 12 laps for the challenge, representing the number of men who die by suicide every day in the UK. During the continuous 5 hours of work, he completed a total of 22 kilometres and powered through 144 burpees, 600 squats, 9 kilometres of rowing, 480 push-ups, 12 kilometres of running, 840 lunges, 924 sit-ups, and carried approximately 70 tonnes over 0.9 miles.
The challenge was designed to give weight and visibility to concerning statistics:
- Suicide is the number one killer of men under 50
- Three in four suicides are male
- 40% of men never talk about their mental health
- 35% wait over two years before opening up
- 77% report stress or anxiety but don't seek help
For Tony, who has been training consistently for three years as part of his action to support his mentalk wellbeing, the challenge held deep personal significance. "I came closer than I ever wanted to admit to becoming one of those statistics," he said. "If the message I'm sending with this challenge stops even one man from reaching that point, then it's worth every lap."
His turning point came after his first counselling session. "Your mental health doesn't start in your mind, it starts in your body," he explained. "That hit home."
Tony discovered The Proper Blokes Club during his lowest point, and their weekly walk-and-talk sessions proved transformative. "They gave me space, connection, and a way to open up without feeling judged. In many ways, they had a bigger impact on me than any counselling sessions I'd had."
Since announcing the challenge, Tony has already seen its impact, with friends reaching out about their own struggles. "That alone shows the message is getting through," he said.
"The link between physical challenge and emotional resilience comes from choosing to do hard things," Tony explained. "When you break a bone, the pain happens to you. But with a physical challenge, you step into it willingly. That ability to keep going under pressure transfers into real life.
"Sharing your story is one of the hardest things you can do, but I've learned that real strength comes from vulnerability."
The challenge took place during Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, reinforcing the University's commitment to supporting wellbeing across its community.
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Tony completed the challenge in support of mental health charity The Proper Blokes Club, with donations welcomed via his fundraising page.
Support available at London Met
London Metropolitan University provides extensive physical and mental health wellbeing support for students and staff. From counselling services and mental health advisors to fitness facilities and wellbeing workshops, a comprehensive range of resources is available to help our community thrive during their time at university.
- Students can find out more about the full range of support services via the Student Zone
- Staff members can access confidential support through the Employee Assistance Programme. Details are available on the Staff Zone.
- If you're struggling with your mental health, support is available. Visit the Samaritans' website or call them on 116 123
- The Proper Blokes Club offers weekly walk-and-talk sessions, providing a supportive, non-judgemental space for men to open up about their mental health.