Tribute to Matthew Ward

Interview: 21 half marathons over 21 weekends

On the 28th of Novemeber, Matthew Summers and Guy Wilmott decided to embark on a massive challenge; to run 21 half marathons over 21 weekends in memory of their close friend Matt Ward. They will finish in late April.

Why did you choose to complete this challenge?

MS: On the 17th October 2020 our lives changed forever as we lost Matthew to depression. There are no words to express how heartbroken we are. It may be a surprise to many, that Matt had been suffering with depression for a number of years. His pain and anguish became too much, and he decided to take his own life. We know this is not the answer.

GW: Just before he died, Matt had celebrated his 21st birthday. Hence why we chose to run 21 km over 21 weekends. We are asking that people make a donation into the Samaritan’s in Matt’s name. Samaritans are a fantastic charity that not only provide 24/7 help at the point of crisis, but also take action to prevent the crisis.

What has been the hardest weekend so far?

MS: If you had asked me this question after the first half marathon, I’d have been sure that it would get easier from there and I’d never be as sore as I felt in the car on the journey back from Bath. In true 2020 style, however, I have had to isolate on the last day of term and stay in Bristol for an extra week or so. This left me with the one and only option of running the half in my small garden here in Bristol! I could run for about 5 seconds before I have to turn and run back to the other end. With the help of my house (and sometimes the neighbours) keeping me company along the way I thankfully completed it in less than 3 hours. I’m sure that will go down as the hardest mentally at least!

GW: We have had so much support and it makes a huge difference! Having people running and cycling alongside has really kept us going. Right now, I think we’re both feeling pretty good, I reckon the next few weeks might be the hardest, my legs definitely aren’t used to running this much!

Do you think there is enough teaching on mental health within medical school?

GW: This is a great question, I guess the short and easy answer is no. It can sort of be answered in two ways in that as far as being a Doctor is concerned, we do get taught a lot on specific psych placements. I’m not here to blame the medical school and I know Matt spoke very well of the support he was getting from them. I do hope though that in running this we open up more conversations between the university and students about how we can move forward and encourage people to access this support.