Jacob Arnold will be sitting down for his Christmas dinner with 325km in his legs after a December-long running mission that will end with a 25km burst
Everton fitness coach Jacob Arnold is nearing the end of a gruelling charity campaign dedicated to supporting those struggling this festive season
An Everton fitness coach is nearing the end of a gruelling charity campaign dedicated to supporting those struggling this festive season. Jacob Arnold will be sitting down for his Christmas dinner with 325km in his legs after a December-long running mission that will end with a 25km burst while presents are being opened and chocolates indulged in the homes that line his route.
It has been some journey for the 26-year-old – but one he believes is worth the effort as he raises money for the charity CALM.
Jacob, who works at Finch Farm as a sports scientist for Everton Women, took on the ambitious challenge for a cause close to his heart after a friend of his took her life in a tragedy that deeply-affected him.
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The Liverpool John Moores graduate explained: “I’ve watched over the last few years the impact that suicide can have on the people around them – the families, the friends, the colleagues. This kind of loss leaves a mark on everyone.
“Christmas is supposed to be a time for joy, a time to celebrate with family and loved ones, but for too many it’s the loneliest time of the year. When you’re struggling, the pressure to be happy can make everything worse.
“Running won’t fix everything but I believe it helps. It clears your head when you feel overwhelmed. It builds mental toughness. It gives you something to work towards when you need direction.”
Jacob’s effort started on December 1, when he ran 1km. Since then he has added a kilometre per day, every day in a challenge that will end with a 25km route on December 25. When he reaches his front door on Christmas Day he will have amassed an incredible 325km across the month.
Speaking to the ECHO as he neared the finish line, he said: “I’ve been wanting to do something like this for a while. I ran my first marathon a few years ago and came across someone doing something similar on Instagram and thought it seemed like a good idea.
“Tying in the effort to support mental health fitted in perfectly because at Christmas people can find it harder to get out and keep fit – I am the same myself. I knew someone who took their own life a few years ago. I was really close to her and her mum.”
His desire to support work around mental health then intensified earlier this year with the sudden death of Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard.
Jacob knew Matt through work and was touched by the devastating impact of his death on the Blues camp, where many of the players and staff had worked with and competed against Matt for years.
He said: “I had come across him through work and our manager, Brian Sorensen was close to him. A lot of our players had played for him or had close friends who did. A lot of people also find this time of year tough. I’ve not always been a runner but I started in lockdown and it has definitely made me a more resilient person.”
Jacob said the hardest runs were actually the shorter, initial ones, but once he gathered momentum it started to become easier – especially as he gathered support and was joined by friends and family on some of his outings. His feet are feeling the miles, though.
It has been worth it, though. And there is an additional bonus, he joked, adding: “At least I won’t be feeling any guilt when I am eating my Christmas dinner!”
For more details of Jacob’s challenge and to support his fundraising visit: www.justgiving.com/page/325km-25days-for-mental-health