John Mannell of GGF’s 2025km Challenge to Support CALM

By: George Lewis / 14 October 2025 /

John Mannell is taking on the 2025km Challenge to Support CALM

This year, John Mannell, Technical Officer and Training Manager at Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has set himself a major challenge, to run 2025km in 2025.

The aim of John’s challenge has been to raise £2,025 for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), but it hasn’t been without setbacks.

An injury in February left him unsure whether he could continue, but months of consistent training, running more than 200km per month, has brought him back on track.

With just over 550km left and two months to go, including the Porto Marathon in November, John remains determined to hit his goal.

CALM is a cause close to his heart. More than a decade ago, the charity’s helpline provided John with hope and support during one of his most difficult times.

Today, CALM’s services are needed more than ever, with calls to their support line doubling since August.

“CALM means the world to me,” said John. “They were there for me when I couldn’t see a way forward. Every penny raised will help someone else get that same vital lifeline. Just £12.20 funds a potentially life-saving call.”

John says any donations, no matter how small, will directly fund CALM’s essential services and could genuinely help save lives.

For donations and updates on John’s progress, visit: John Mannell is fundraising for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)