Rob Brady
The devastating loss of close friend Chris Quenby in 2016 led Dover man Rob Brady to reassess his own life and set himself on the path to healing both himself and other people facing mental health challenges.
In the intervening years, Rob has raised around £20,000 for various wellbeing charities, including the Mental Health Foundation and South Kent Mind.
He has sought to reassure people of all ages, and men in particular, that it’s okay to talk about how you are feeling. Rob has spread his message through large public speaking events in Kent and the South East, as well as visiting schools and businesses to talk about mental wellbeing.
On top of his public speaking commitments and a full time job, Rob continues to run the clothing brand Fight Train, which was set up by his late best friend Chris. All profits from the business go to charity.
Rob has also found the time to train for and run eight marathons. Not content with running 26 mile races, his next goal is to complete an ultra marathon. This is no mean feat, given that he is also the proud father of one year old twins!
Rob’s latest project is setting up a charity called Project Purpose. Project Purpose will aim to allocate money to independently-run charities and organisations, as well as to specific individuals locally who urgently need mental health treatment, but who cannot otherwise afford it. He will fundraise for the charity by doing challenges and speaking events.
Nominated by partner Kelly Hobbs, who describes him as “determined, compassionate and inspiring”, Rob says his goal is “to create a greater impact on people we can actually meet locally”.
Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards coordinator Simon Dolby of East Kent Mind said: “Rob is an example to us all. His energy and dedication to the mental wellbeing cause is exceptional, and the contribution he has made – and continues to make – to local people’s lives is remarkable. He is a deserving nominee for an award. We wish him well with his newest project, and thank him for his hard work.”
The Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards is an annual event to showcase the people, organisations and initiatives that help us cope with life.
The awards are organised by the mental health charity Mind in Bexley and East Kent and are supported by a range of organisations in the sector. To submit a nomination visit www.kentmentalwellbeingawards.org.uk
