Over the past two seasons, Fulham fanatic Lee Adams has been cycling and walking up and down the country to raise money for the award-winning charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which is close to his heart. For readers who are unaware, CALM is an award-winning charity dedicated to prevent male suicide – which remains the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45.
The latest statistics are shocking when you see them in black and white. In 2014, 4.623 men took their own lives. Twelve men a day commit suicide – which is an average of one man, every two hours. CALM runs a hotline allowing people to seek help when they are feeling vulnerable or down at the statistically toughest times of the day. £7 can help connect a call to the CALM hotline and, as a charity, the organisation requires all the support they can get. Football is one of the interests that most men share and Lee, who has been brave about his own battles, has resolved to use the beautiful game to help get men talking.
Lee has participated in television, telephone and newspaper interviews in his quest to raise as much awareness for the charity, as well as much needed funds in the process. Almost two years to the day since his first epic journey, he will be undertaking on his biggest challenge yet – a-113 mile walk from Craven Cottage to St Andrews spread over three days ahead of Fulham’s final fixture of the season at Birmingham City. Just as he was during the walk to Reading before the Whites’ first game of the season, Lee will be joined by a number of fellow Fulham fans in a bid to raise as much as possible for a fantastic cause.
Lee was kind enough to speak to hammyend.com and share some insights into why he is preparing to take on another extraordinary challenge.
How did the idea of a walk from Fulham2Birmingham come about?
After walking to Reading I wanted to do another challenge to help raise more awareness of both the issue of men’s mental health – which some people who suffer find difficult to talk about – and the fantastic work that CALM does to help people who are struggling. I thought it should be something to push us a little bit more and Birmingham was just that.
How many people are participating in the walk?
At the moment we have ten walkers and I do expect a few more to sign up before the day itself. It’s a unique challenge and one that will definitely push us.
How can people donate to such a great cause?
All donations are gratefully we received. I have been so overwhelmed by the generous support from the Fulham fanbase since I started fundraising for CALM. We have set up a Just Giving page – and people can donate by clicking here.
In the future, do you have any other ventures planned to raise money for CALM?
I definitely have a few more ideas but in the pipeline, but you will get you all know after the Birmingham walk. For now, all I’m going to say is #BringOnTheBattle!
Reading fans are doing a walk from #Reading2Fulham in aid of CALM, which is the reverse of your walk to the Madjeski Stadium earlier this season. What are your thoughts on this?
After our Reading walk, I was invited on BBC Radio Five Live’s 606 show and challenged them to do the return game. A Reading supporter from Ireland called Jonny got in touch with me and said he wanted to do the walk, so Jonny, a few Reading fans and I will be walking to Craven Cottage. I think it’s wonderful as more men will hopefully seek help.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Thank you to everyone that has volunteered their time, we are becoming a close group. Also thank you for you’re time too. Come on you Whites and bring on the walk!
Everyone at Hammyend.com would like to thank Lee both for his time and his remarkable efforts in support of CALM, which is a magnificent charity. We would urge all Fulham fans to support Lee and his fellow walkers in raising money for this important cause. If you are able to make a financial donation, please click here to do so. You can also spread the message on social media, by following Lee or the new FulhamCALM account on Twitter or tweeting using the #Fulham2BirminghamWalk.
