Bristol Barbers Take On 10k to Get Men Talking
Team joins AJ Bell Great Bristol Run for Talk Club UK
Luigi Presti, owner of Luigi’s Barberia in Kingswood, Bristol, is among a team of 20 running the 10k at this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health charity, Talk Club.
The team, which includes barbers from nine barbershops across Bristol, plus their customers and friends, are taking part to support a cause they have a close affinity with.
“As barbers, we have the unique opportunity to get to know our clients between visits,” explains Luigi. “Customers can feel comfortable talking to us without judgement, often continuing a conversation from their last visit. We enjoy building this relationship and getting to know our customers and it’s often a lot of fun!
“Talk Club has an incredible mission and we feel this is an opportunity to give back to those who may need support in our community. Men who help our businesses to thrive every day.”
Describing itself as a “mental fitness movement”, Talk Club is a listening community for men that offers talking groups, sports groups, online support and, in some cases, sessions with a professional therapist.
“Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 49 and anything that gets men talking is such an important cause to support.”
While Luigi describes the group as being of mixed running ability, they are all determined to do their best on the day.
“Some of the group are seasoned 10k runners, while we have others who are absolute beginners,” says Luigi. “We just want the whole team to get to the finish line!
“Training is going well – we have a team group to arrange training meets and to motivate us all to get our trainers on.
“We all know exercise is something that really improves health and mental wellbeing and so we’re all benefiting from the training so far, but what’s really motivating me is all the kind sponsorship and support we’re receiving from local businesses, customers, friends and family.”
The group’s fundraising target is £5,000 and you can donate to support them here.
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