‘Iron Man’ taking on gruelling Marathon Eryri in aid of Wrexham-based mental health charity

An Ironman triathlete is taking on the gruelling Marathon Eryri/Snowdonia Marathon in aid of local mental health charity, Advance Brighter Futures (ABF).

Since the loss of his parents, Ash Wilkes has completed a charity event each year in their memory, to help keep their legacy alive.

He has recently completed the vigorous Ironman Italy contest, but even with virtually no recovery time, nothing is stopping him taking on the challenging Marathon Eryri/Snowdonia Marathon on October 28, all for a great cause.

Since their passing Ash has been supporting charities and causes that his parents would have wanted.

Wrexham-based Advance Brighter Futures is a cause close to his heart, too.

The charity, which is based on Belmont Road, provides a safe and welcoming space for people needing support with their mental health and well-being.

Their services include one-to-one talking therapy, parent support groups, one-to-one coaching, wellbeing group activities and mental health training, to name just a few.

“Having overcome PTSD, Depression and Anxiety, I really believe everyone should have the opportunity to talk,” explained Ash.

“Therapy, in the form of friends, family and professionals, saved my life from my own hands.

“I was extremely fortunate to have friends and family to open up to initially – when I finally did – and to guide me towards getting professional help.

“I was even more fortunate to be in a position where I could pay for it, so many aren’t.

“ABF, in my eyes – and I would say with confidence, in the eyes of many – is a lifesaving charity who deserve all the help they can get to provide their next level services to people who need them the most.”

Zoe, Business Development Officer at ABF says, “We’ve been helping people improve their mental health for over 30 years, empowering them to lead more fulfilled lives and build resilience for a brighter future.

“When it comes to mental health, we know there is no magic wand, but we’re a passionate and driven organisation who listen to, care about, and believe in the people we support.”

“As a small, local charity, we’re grateful for any support from our community, so it means the world to us when people choose to fundraise on behalf of ABF.

“Along with the awareness Ash is raising around mental health, the monies raised from sponsors will go directly to supporting people in Wrexham.

“We really can’t thank Ash enough for bravely sharing his story and taking on this challenge all in aid of mental health awareness and Advance Brighter Futures and we wish him all the luck for the race.

“Fundraisers like this one help us to continue to provide our services and achieve our mission.

“Above all, we want to ensure that no person experiencing mental health problems ever feels like they’re on their own.”

The Snowdonia Marathon has been voted Best British Marathon twice. The demanding and spectacular route which encircles Yr Wyddfa – the highest peak in Wales – has served to makes this an iconic event in the running calendar.

Ash added: “Our health service is overwhelmed and charities like this need funding.

“I’ll do the graft and take on Snowdonia Marathon – but if you can spare a pound today, your community would be grateful! Let’s spread the word and look after each other.”

Marathon Eryri / Snowdonia Marathon takes place on Saturday October 28 at 10:30 a.m.

If you’d like to support Ash and Advance Brighter Futures, you can visit Ash’s fundraising page here to sponsor him for the Marathon

For more information on Advance Brighter Futures, you can visit their website here.