Craig lifting a heavyweight at the gym.

Weightlifter - he/him Craig Tomkinson

Craig's fundraising journey

Why are you fundraising for us and what will you be doing?

I turned 40 this year, and wanted to do something to challenge myself.

The work YoungMinds do is so important. Particularly now, when everyone is facing the long-term effects of the pandemic.

I did a powerlifting challenge on 3 December 2022. The challenge was to lift 1,000lb across three lifts: squat, bench press and deadlift. In the end, I lifted 1,025lb, but across the whole event (around two and a half hours) including warm-up sets, I had to lift over five tonnes of weight!

I had my family there to watch and support me, it felt very special.

Craig lifting a heavyweight at the gym.

About Craig

Craig and his partner standing in the gym.

Tell us about yourself

I’m nothing special… a dad of four and husband of one who adds numbers up for a living.

I live for my wife and kids, and trying to be the best I can be.

I’m very private, so doing something like this so openly was very unusual for me.

Why is mental health important to you?

My wife suffers with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. It’s been very difficult. I’ve seen first hand how serious and unexpectedly mental health crises can hit people.

I want to do what I can to help, and supporting a charity like YoungMinds, who tackle issues with young people before their issues become crises, seemed to me like the best way.

What three words describe you best?

  • Driven

  • Balanced

  • Empathetic

Meet more of our fundraisers

Volunteers in YoungMinds tops and yellow face paint smile and cheer with megaphone and cheer sticks.

Looking for your next challenge?

Whether you want to climb a mountain, hold a car boot sale, run a marathon or organise a quiz night, there are so many ways to raise funds for us.

However you choose to fundraise, our events team will support you the whole way.

Get started with fundraising