Leadership in every mile and running the London Marathon for E.ON charity partner, Mind
As part of E.ON’s ongoing partnership with Mind, Benedict is taking on the iconic London Marathon to support the charity’s work helping people experiencing mental health challenges across the UK.
Benedict Kimpton, Director of Digital Common Services and an E.ON Mind ambassador, is preparing to run the London Marathon to raise funds and awareness for mental health charity Mind.
The challenge comes as E.ON and its colleagues celebrate raising more than £500,000 for Mind, helping to fund vital services that support people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
For Benedict, a keen runner, the marathon represents both a personal goal and an opportunity to make a difference: “I’m a keen runner and the London Marathon is a challenge I’ve wanted to do for a while,” he said. “I believe good mental health for everyone is really important and Mind is incredibly important in supporting people with mental health problems. Doing the London Marathon brings this all together – raising awareness, fundraising and taking on a personal challenge.”
Championing mental health at work and beyond
As an E.ON Mind ambassador, Benedict has seen first-hand the importance of mental health support both inside and outside the workplace.
“Supporting Mind in this way has given me the opportunity to reflect on the broad range of support Mind offers,” he said. “From a personal perspective I’ve worked with colleagues who have struggled with their mental health and, as a father to pre-teenage sons, I’m becoming even more aware of the importance of mental health and there being adequate support for young people.”
Mental health remains one of the most significant causes of ill health in office environments. Through its partnership with Mind, E.ON is helping to promote open conversations about mental wellbeing and ensure colleagues have access to support.
Balancing training and wellbeing
Preparing for a marathon requires months of dedication, and Benedict admits fitting training into a busy schedule has been a challenge.
“To be honest, it has been difficult to fit in all the running and conditioning work over the last few weeks, especially with these dark rainy days,” he said. “But it’s about achieving the right balance and training even when it’s difficult. Overall though, I find that running is the perfect way to reset and improve my mental health, with time away from technology in the open air.”
The experience has reinforced the close connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing.
“Mental health is the most significant form of ill health amongst people working in an office,” Benedict said. “For E.ON, thinking about Vision 0 – everyone working for E.ON leaves work safe and healthy – Mind is a perfect fit and allows us to talk about and address mental health openly.”
Encouraging others to get involved
Benedict hopes his challenge will inspire colleagues to support fundraising and mental health advocacy across the organisation. “I’d really recommend colleagues get involved with fundraising,” he said. “It can be hard to start with, but once you get stuck in people are incredibly generous and the more sponsors you get, the easier it is to ask.”
As marathon day approaches, Benedict’s challenge highlights the power of personal action in supporting a cause that affects millions of people across the UK. E.ON is backing you every step of the way, Benedict!