Call for Luton men to join special community marathon challenge to support mental health group

Michael Cox, co-founder of Brother 2 Brother, set up the men’s mental health group after four of his friends died by suicide.

He explained: “Four people, over four months in our circle, took their lives. It brought everything to the surface. I wanted to do something for men’s mental health.”

In September 2025, he held the group's first men’s mental health day – using it as an opportunity to get men talking about their feelings and bonding in a judgement-free environment.

The initiative has grown and now runs monthly events like “walk and talk” sessions, guest speakers and fundraisers. Speakers have included a man who overcame a gambling addiction and another who survived a suicide attempt.

Brother 2 Brother is open to men of all ages, backgrounds and religions, no matter what they are going through.

Michael said: “You ain’t even got to be struggling… you can just turn up and be a listening ear. There hasn’t got to be something wrong with you to come.”

The group operates across Luton and surrounding areas, including Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, but has also had attendees from further afield, including Leicester and Northampton.

For Michael and co-founder and partner, Stephanie Dixon, being accessible is an important element of the group, with all events offered for free.

He said: "Every single thing we do is free because we know money is such a barrier.”

To raise funds for the group, the organisers will host a marathon event at Dunstable Town Football Club this June. Participants are encouraged to complete 26 miles, either solo or in a team, by running laps of the football pitch.

Michael added: “We just want to get as many men down as possible.”

For more information or to get involved, email Michael at [email protected]

More fundraising events will be held later this year ahead of Brother 2 Brother’s second annual men’s mental health day.