Man Vs Mind
Why We’re Taking on the Challenge
‘Man vs Mind is a long-term endurance challenge running across 2026–2027, created to raise funds and awareness for Millimetres to Mountains a charity using adventure and challenge to help people turn trauma into growth.
The challenge itself spans multiple disciplines and environments, including a marathon, an IRONMAN 70.3, a full IRONMAN, and summiting the Matterhorn. While each event presents its own physical demands, the purpose behind them is simple: to use challenge as a vehicle for positive change.
Why Man vs Mind
Sport has always been part of my life. Over time, it became more than performance or competition it became a way of finding structure during periods of grief, loss, and mental struggle.
Training provided routine when life felt unpredictable. Physical challenge offered focus when thoughts felt overwhelming. Over years, I came to understand how powerful the combination of movement, purpose, and accountability can be, not as a cure, but as a foundation to build from.
Man vs Mind exists to explore that idea further. It’s built on the belief that our toughest battles are often internal, and that facing physical challenges can help develop the resilience, clarity, and confidence needed to move forward.
Why Millimetres to Mountains
Millimetres to Mountains resonated immediately because their approach reflects much of what I’ve experienced personally.
Rather than offering surface-level solutions, M2M focus on long-term transformation. They use adventure as a starting point, not an end goal, combining challenge with mentorship, community, and ongoing support. Participants aren’t rushed or pushed through a system; they’re supported at their own pace, building confidence and self-belief incrementally.
That philosophy, progress made one step at a time, aligns closely with how I’ve learned to approach both sport and life.
The Process
Man vs Mind is not a single event, but a journey.
Preparation will take place over many months, balancing training, recovery, work, and fundraising. Each phase of the challenge is designed to build resilience sustainably, not recklessly, reflecting the same principles that Millimetres to Mountains apply in their work.
Alongside the physical preparation, the focus will remain on raising awareness, sharing progress honestly, and supporting a charity that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.
The Fundraising Goal
The fundraising target for Man vs Mind is £10,000.
Every pound raised will support Millimetres to Mountains’ programmes, helping fund:
Adventure-based recovery experiences
Long-term mentoring and support
Opportunities for individuals to rebuild confidence, purpose, and direction
As a small charity, the impact of each donation is direct and meaningful, making this goal both realistic and powerful.
Looking Ahead
Man vs Mind is about more than endurance. It’s about using challenge with intention, supporting work that genuinely helps people, and proving that progress, whether physical or mental, is built steadily over time. ‘ - Oliver Johnston
If you’d like to support the challenge or learn more about the fundraising, you can follow the journey or donate via the link below.
Just Giving: Donate Here
