Cooper Berry, a 23-year-old marathon runner from Woodbridge, Suffolk, is undertaking an impressive running challenge. Along the way, he’s on a mission to raise awareness about mental health. In 2025, he intends to complete a minimum of 7.5 miles each day, every day for a full year. He’s doing it all to raise money for Suffolk Mind, a local mental health charity. At last check, Berry has crossed the 100-day mark on this social media challenge, which means he has 265 days left to go.
Berry’s journey is about more than running. It comes in part from a six-year intimate struggle with anorexia that started when he was only 11 years old. During that time, he fell behind on nearly 75% of his education, going “in and out of hospital. That experience has deeply influenced his work as an advocate for mental health. Sadly, a friend took his life, which propelled him to tell his story. He’s found healing and hope in sharing—and now urges everyone to talk about their challenges.
Recently, Berry demonstrated his commitment to this cause by running an impressive 49 miles across Lanzarote and successfully completing the Berlin Marathon. Alex is passionate about running and spreading awareness for mental health. He’s passionate about getting people to the deeper understanding these issues urgently need.
“Anorexia is the most deadly of all mental illnesses, but I am fully recovered now and I don’t want it to become my identity.” – Cooper Berry
Berry emphasizes the extreme importance of caring for those combatting mental illnesses. He’s passionate about the ways men specifically get judged unfairly for these conflicts. He noted, “Still now there is not much support and I think people don’t understand the illness.” Through storytelling, he’s using his own experiences and challenges to shatter silos and break down barriers. His mission, he says, is to get men talking and sharing their feelings.
His daily runs are a constant and inspiring reminder that mental health struggles don’t have to be the end of someone’s story. He states, “I’ve found myself now and, while it made me who I am, it doesn’t define me – I am Cooper.” Berry doesn’t see this challenge as purely a test of physical endurance. Professionally, it has become a personal mission for her to engage others in conversations around mental health.
“This isn’t a gimmick or a fitness stunt, it’s a personal mission to start conversations and remind people they’re not alone.” – Cooper Berry
Each day of his marathon challenge only stokes Berry’s own fire. He hopes to encourage everyone to get active and get help when you’re feeling down or depressed. “I have always wanted to do a charity challenge but that was a real calling for me to take action,” he explained. His journey has had its challenges, but he’s as dedicated as ever.
“It’s been a crazy journey so far but I am glad to be at day 100 and I am sure I going to complete this.” – Cooper Berry
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