“I was at a point in my life where I was suicidal,” Josh Patterson, who grew up in north Norfolk, said.
The 33-year-old made a name for himself as ‘JP’ on the reality TV show Made in Chelsea – a series following the lives of young people born into affluent families, leading lavish lifestyles and living in some of south-west London’s most exclusive postcodes.
But despite seemingly living a life most could only dream of, away from the cameras he had reached a dark place.
Mr Patterson admitted he has struggled with his mental health his entire life - battling anxiety and depression, which led him to contemplate taking his own life.
“I know how dark those times can get - I almost lost my life to this disease,” Mr Patterson, who went to Gresham's School, in Holt, said.
“I was one of the fortunate ones who has had access to support, but there’s an awful lot of people out there who don’t.”
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Mr Patterson tried to take his own life aged just 13 after his parents divorced.
He experienced further struggles in 2015, and again in 2018 when his relationship with his partner broke down after the birth of their daughter.
However, after seeking help, Mr Patterson learned ways to manage his mental health.
He now hopes to inspire others by setting a new world record for running 76 marathons in 76 consecutive days, in all 76 cities in the UK.
He is hoping to raise £1 million for suicide prevention charity, Samaritans – while spreading awareness of mental illness across the country.
“I’m passionate about changing the narrative around mental illness,” he said.
“I want to showcase the resilience which can come while living with it.
“I can’t change the world, but what I can do is run a lot of marathons and raise money to ensure that when somebody is struggling they have someone to call.
“If that could be the difference between saving a life and losing a life then I’m committed to this challenge.”
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Mr Patterson ran in Norwich in the early stages of his challenge – returning to the county he said he still considers home.
If he successfully completes all 76 marathons, he will have run a total of 1,991.2 miles over an estimated 465 hours.
He explained how exercise has been “instrumental” in helping him and so many others to improve their mental health.
“It’s saved my life – I owe everything to it,” he said.
“I feel indebted to it for what it’s done for me in my life.
“Running is a way for me to connect with a lot of people. I wanted to do a challenge that would benefit the entirety of the UK – reaching everyone in every city.
"Running is becoming more and more popular, and the running community is one that is really inclusive, kind and supportive. The more people we can expose to that the better.
“This has been a positive and powerful experience, and I really think it’s going to have an impact.
“I still struggle with my anxiety, but with help you get to a point in your life where you learn how to live with it and improve things.
“It’s about converting that negative energy into something constructive.
“For me, it’s about showcasing vulnerability, and both the highs and lows of the challenge.”
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Samaritans is a suicide prevention charity which helps people requiring emotional support in the UK and Ireland.
Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help through its telephone helpline.
You can help Mr Patterson fundraise for the charity by donating to his 'Run for 1 Million' Just Giving page.
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