Former Plymouth Argyle footballer and physio Paul Maxwell has completed epic 50 half marathon challenge to help improve people’s mental health.

There were emotional celebrations on Plymouth Hoe when Paul Maxwell crossed the finish line of his 50th half marathon in a year. More than a hundred runners joined him for the final run of the challenge, which the former Plymouth Argyle favourite when he turned 50 years old in July 2023. His hope was to improve his mental health and raise money for Livewell Southwest and Devon Mind.

Paul said:

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“I’ve been down the path of struggling myself. Eight years ago, was probably when I was right at the rock bottom. I put myself in a place I wouldn’t ever want to go again. I came out of that by studying neuroscience and working on coping mechanisms.

Former Plymouth Argyle Physiotherapist runs a half marathon a week for charity

“But a year ago, I wasn’t in a good place again and wanted to change my lifestyle. The 50 half marathon challenge felt like something different and I also thought it might help other people.

“I wasn’t a runner. I was a sprinter as a football player, so that first run on my own along the Camel Trail to Padstow was tough.

“I wasn’t great emotionally at that time after going through a break-up and a few other things. I broke down during the last three miles, but I got through it and that was the start of this new journey.”

From then on, people from all over Devon and Cornwall have joined Paul on the Sunday morning and Friday night runs. Paul has raised more than £11,000 to improve facilities for patients and staff at Livewell Southwest and Devon Mind.

 

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At the end of the final run in July, fighting back tears, Paul told his supporters:

“I have taken a piece of all of you into me and it’s made me the person I am now, so thank you.”

Paul is continuing the running groups. He added:

“We are using the title ‘change the tape’, trying to change the thought process of your mind.

“Step into the unknown. Keep challenging yourself everyday and genuinely be kind and be a good person.”

Anyone struggling with their mental health, can get support from the Plymouth NHS Talking Therapies team. There are more details on how to self-refer at www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/plymouth-options