Josh Patterson: Mind over marathons
Josh Patterson is running to change the way we perceive all people with mental illness – not least, because he has fought it most of his life…
Former Madein Chelsea star Josh Patterson is much more than a reality star. He’s a guy who puts his fame to good use, and recently did something quite incredible – he became the first person in history to run a marathon in all four countries of the UK in 24 hours, with a time of 23:47:10, raising, to date, over £26,000 for the Samaritans. The dad-of-one (who shares four-year-old daughter, India, with his ex, Binky Felstead), has completed multiple gruelling challenges over the past two years, as part of his mission to redefine how mental health is perceived. Here, the former rugby-playing hunk, 29, tells us why his friends think he’s ‘bonkers’, why we should all push ourselves that bit harder, and why his little girl is never far from his mind…
Josh, your recent marathon for the Samaritans was an incredible feat. How does it feel, to have broken a world record?!
The fact that we set a new record makes me feel even more proud – it was just an amazing feeling. I am so impulsive… the times I come up with zany ideas and go to my team and they’re like ‘Please, just rein it in, Josh, your body needs a rest for a month or so, chill out!’ But I’m glad I got this one through.
Did you just wake up one day and think, I might just run a marathon in all four UK countries in 24 hours?!
Ha! I remember coming up with the thought about eight or nine months ago because I always try to come up with ideas of things that had never been done before. Yes, it’s pretty bonkers – when I first texted my friend, James, about it he just basically replied, ‘You’re mental’ and, after his reaction, I knew I had to do it. I just knew it would catch the attention of a wider demographic. After lockdown, so many people struggled with mental health – and running is just really great for that. I’m so, so proud that it was achieved.
You didn’t come out of this unscathed, though. Six hours in A&E with a stress fracture, ligament damage and a strained calf… ouch! Was it worth it, though?
Oh, absolutely. It’s all part of the challenge. Tearing three separate ligaments in my left leg is nothing compared to the unbelievable feeling of accomplishing this. If that’s all the damage that was done, I’ll take it. Six hours in A&E, though? Questionable…! But, you
know, a lot of my challenges are inspired by people I meet along the way in life – and I met a nurse there named Katie. She was having a really bad day and I was listening to her story and I thought, maybe one day (in a few years!) I could do something with her in mind.
You’ve spoken before about battling mental health issues – does running help you?
Running is something I started a year-and-a-half ago. It’s opened so many doors and connected me with so many people. But any exercise helps me, mentally, to be honest. I’ve loved every individual challenge that I’ve done – but this one was the best.
Prior to joining Made in Chelsea you also played rugby – do you still play for fun?
No, I’ve lost it a bit with rugby – but I do play tag rugby, here and there! The frustrating thing is, I would love to play 7s or something – but with everything I’ve got going on now I just can’t risk the injury. I do love wearing short shorts, though, so any excuse!
You’re collaborating with Molton Brown right now, aren’t you?
Yes, I’m very fortunate to work with a number of brands and Molton Brown is a collaboration that came up after having been a very big fan for so long. It’s quite funny, actually – the moments
‘My greatest achievement in Dad’s eyes was getting a personalised Guinness cup!’
of my career where my mum and dad have been at their proudest have been when Guinness sent me a personalised pint glass – at which point, Dad thought I’d ‘made it’ – then Mum saw I was working with Molton Brown and actually said ‘This is the proudest moment of my life’!
Your daughter, India, turned four on 12 June – how did you celebrate?
I’m rubbish with these big days – I often forget my own birthday, to be frank, but India’s is the one I never forget! Last weekend, I took her back to where I’m from in Norfolk, where we just paddle-boarded and swam and played in the mud. For me, pure simplicity makes her the happiest child. India is happiest just playing in the sand, causing carnage with other little girls and getting her hands dirty! Not sure what’s in store for Father’s Day yet – but I can’t wait to find out…