Woodbridge runner Cooper Berry kicked off the next leg of his an inspiring “12k a Day” challenge today (Monday 1 September) at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  This is another leg in the year-long fundraising effort which started back in January 2025, in support of Suffolk Mind. Pound Gates and Larking Gowen are sponsoring this leg of the journey from Paris to Haywards Heath.

Cooper’s story is one of resilience and hope. After battling anorexia from the age of 11, he now dedicates his life to coaching others in achieving their running goals. His challenge, running 12 kilometres every day throughout 2025, honours the 12 men who tragically take their own lives each day in the UK. Through this powerful tribute, Cooper aims to raise awareness for men’s mental health and break the stigma surrounding it.

Speaking about the challenge Cooper Berry said, “My journey through anorexia and loss has taught me that resilience is possible, but nobody should have to fight these battles alone. This challenge is about showing that recovery can lead to strength, and about encouraging men to speak up, seek help, and know that there is hope.”

Del Sharman, Director at Pound Gates said, “We’re proud to support Cooper in this extraordinary challenge. His 12k-a-day commitment for Suffolk Mind highlights the urgent issue of men’s mental health, and the devastating reality of lives lost to suicide each day.  The symbolism of carrying their kit, representing the emotional baggage so many struggle with, makes this challenge all the more powerful.”

Del adds “At Pound Gates, we believe it’s vital to empower people to talk about mental health, and to support initiatives that encourage openness, resilience and support.

Cooper will also be participating in The Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday 21 September, another key milestone in his journey. Organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, the event brings together local businesses and individuals to promote healthier lifestyles and raise funds for vital causes.

“We’re really proud to be backing Cooper on this incredible journey,” said Becky Ames, Partner at Larking Gowen. “His drive and honesty are genuinely inspiring. Cheering him on at the half marathon is going to be such a brilliant moment, not just for him, but for all of us who care about supporting wellbeing and making a real difference in our Suffolk community. That’s what we’re all about.”

Suffolk Mind plays a crucial role in providing mental health support across the county. Funds raised through Cooper’s challenge will help sustain essential services such as helplines and counselling, ensuring that no one in Suffolk has to face mental health struggles alone.

“Suffolk Mind is so proud to be a charity partner of the Larking Gowen Ipswich Marathon. We have a fantastic team of runners this year – over 40 in total – and this includes Cooper, who is kindly representing Suffolk Mind” said Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind.

“Cooper’s endeavours across the whole of 2025 are quite remarkable and we are proud to be working in partnership with him to shine a light on mental health in Suffolk.

Movement is one of our key physical and emotional needs and running is a fantastic way of releasing happy hormones which boost our mood and emotional wellbeing. It’s also a great way to be with other people, or to get away from our busy lives and get in the zone.”

You can support Cooper and Suffolk Mind by making a donation here.