Mental Health Fundraiser
2163. Josh Patterson
Josh ‘JP’ Patterson, from London, rose to fame on the reality TV show ‘Made in Chelsea’ but behind-the-scenes was battling with depression and anxiety.
Josh has struggled with his mental health since a young age and tried to take his own life when he was 13. A number of years later, he found himself enduring negative media exposure, contributing to his mental health difficulties and leaving him feeling powerless. In 2017, he decided to channel his energy into raising money for a friend’s father in need of medication, which not only enabled him to regain a feeling of control but also kickstarted a passion for fundraising and for raising awareness of mental health through his social media platform. In 2019, he started a podcast, ‘Limitless’, where he is joined by a range of well-known guests to discuss a range of mental health topics. Josh has also now raised thousands of pounds for a wide range of mental health charities, through completing a variety of physical challenges. In 2021 he became the first person to run a marathon in all 4 countries in the UK in 24 hours and, earlier this year, he embarked on his hardest challenge to date, running 76 marathons, in all 76 UK cities, in 76 days to raise over £320,000 for ‘Samaritans’.
Josh’s award coincides with World Mental Health Day, an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.
In a personal letter to Josh, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“You have inspired thousands with your strength and courage, sharing your own story and dedicating your life to improve people’s mental health.
“I was amazed to learn of your recent fundraising challenge, raising over £320,000 for the Samaritans by running an incredible 76 marathons, in all 76 UK cities in 76 days.
“Through your podcasts, speaking events and through your social media platform, reaching hundreds of thousands of people, encouraging them to discuss mental health and creating a safe space to do just that.”
Josh said:
“This award is a huge honour for me to receive. I’ve committed my life to improving the world’s mental health. There is still a long way to go, but one day at a time we edge closer together achieving it. This award is testament to what can be achieved when living with mental illness. I chose to define how I would live my life with it, not for it to define me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this privilege.”