Dashing through Yorkshire: 50 Christmas-Day miles for mental health

Most people wouldn’t choose to spend Christmas Day on their own, let alone carrying a 25kg backpack (the weight of an eight year old child) 50 miles across Yorkshire to raise money for charity. But for 21-year-old Kacper Bilengrek, choosing to do all of that, on Christmas Day no less, has a very important reason behind it. 

“Christmas is usually seen as the happiest time of the year," he says. "But for many people out there, Christmas can also be one of the hardest days, dealing with grief, loneliness, and repressed feelings. I can relate to feeling like that - on Christmas last year, I was in hospital recovering after surgery. I was lying alone in bed, in pain, surrounded by other people in the same situation. In that moment, I realised the loneliness was lying there with all of us. I realised how many people feel alone and forgotten, even on Christmas day. That’s why I’m taking on this challenge and raising money for the Mental Health Foundation - because I want to show that even in the coldest moment there’s hope."

“This run is deeply personal to me. It symbolises the invisible weight that many people carry in silence while battling their mental health. I’ve faced my own struggles and regrets, and this challenge represents turning that pain into purpose — showing that even when life feels heavy, we can still find the strength to move forward.”

Kacper is adding something deeply personal to his challenge. Alongside the 25kg backpack, he will be carrying a letter — a message written for every person in the world who is silently struggling with their mental health. When he reaches Conisbrough and completes the 50-mile journey, he will take a moment, stand still after all the pain and effort, and read the letter out loud on camera so people everywhere can hear it.

“That letter is for anyone who feels forgotten, anyone who feels invisible. I want them to hear words that remind them they are worthy, loved, and needed. If even one person feels a little less alone after hearing it, then every mile was worth it.”

“When I feel overcome with emotions, one of the ways I deal with it is by taking on something meaningful. Christmas can bring up a lot of feelings for me, and I used to repress these feelings, to make sure I didn’t burden people. But now, I’ve learned ways to address those feelings – I go for walks, I let those feelings out, and I’m gentle with myself. Having these feelings is human, it’s real, and it’s part of healing."

“If you are struggling, I want to you know - you’re not weak, you’re not alone, you don’t have to force yourself. If you can reach out just a little bit, take it an hour at the time, your survival is enough, and you matter more than you know. I’m proud of anyone holding on, despite feeling like breaking. My advice would be – take care of your heart, rest, breath and look after your peace, and brighter days are ahead.”

“Christmas is a day where many people feel forgotten — but I want this run to be a reminder that no one is ever truly alone. We all carry weight, we all carry scars, we all have chapters we don’t talk about. If you’re struggling, I want you to know this: even on the coldest day of the year, even when you feel like you can’t take another step, there is hope. There is strength inside you that you haven’t even discovered yet. And you deserve to see the day when life feels lighter again. I’m running these 50 miles for you — for anyone who feels unseen — to show that your story isn’t over. Hold on. Better days are coming, and you matter more than you think.”