TV Star Runs 150 Miles, Raises $2M for Mental Health in Kenya

Jamie Laing crossed the finish line in Salford after running 150 miles in five days, but the real victory belongs to thousands of Kenyan families who will benefit from the $2 million he raised.

The former Made in Chelsea star completed five consecutive ultramarathons between March 17 and March 21, 2025, as part of the Comic Relief Ultra Marathon Man Challenge. His fundraising total reached £2,053,835 (over $2 million), supporting programs that tackle poverty through mental health services and early childhood development.

Laing said he ran for people affected by loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Comic Relief is putting those funds to work in communities that need them most, including Kenya, where mental health resources remain scarce.

In Kenya, Comic Relief supports six organizations expanding access to mental health care across communities. The initiative has reduced stigma around mental illness while improving service quality, giving young people better tools to learn, grow, and escape poverty's grip.

The organization's Rise and Shine program shows how early intervention transforms lives. Launched in 2020, the program brings together eight partner organizations to improve early childhood development services across Kenya.

The results speak for themselves. The program has reached 15,678 preschool children, including 1,404 children with disabilities, and supported over 15,000 parents and caregivers. Partners provide nutrition training, parenting support, and teacher education to help children thrive from their earliest years.

The Ripple Effect

When young children receive proper nutrition, health care, and education, the benefits extend far beyond childhood. These early investments help break poverty cycles before they start, giving children tools to build healthier, more prosperous lives.

Comic Relief has operated for more than 40 years on a simple principle: investing in children during their early years prevents poverty rather than just treating its symptoms. The organization partners with 144 community organizations in Kenya, engaging nearly 23,000 community members in solutions designed and led locally.

Laing admitted he would "crawl over the finish line" after running 150 miles in five days. His determination mirrors the resilience of families in Kenya working to build better futures with limited resources.

Comic Relief reminds supporters that meaningful change doesn't require ultramarathons. Small actions add up, from skipping takeaway coffee for a week to hosting fundraising dinner parties. Every contribution moves communities closer to a world where no child lacks basic necessities like clean water, mental health support, or quality education.

One ultramarathon runner's blistered feet will heal quickly, but his fundraising impact will strengthen Kenyan communities for generations.