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For the second year running, the Reach Digital team is taking on the Colchester Stampede 10K in support of Mid and North East Essex Mind.
On 17 May 2026, we’ll be making our way through Colchester Zoo and the surrounding countryside, taking on 10K of obstacles, questionable pacing, and what will almost certainly feel like a bad idea at some point. But it’s for a cause that matters, so we’re doing it anyway.
Why we’re running
We’re taking on the Colchester Stampede 10K to raise money for Mid and North East Essex Mind, a local mental health charity that provides support, resources and practical help to people across our community.
Because MNEE Mind is financially independent, they rely on donations and fundraising to keep their services running. That support helps make sure people have somewhere to turn when they need it, and that no one has to face things alone.
Everyone on the team has their own reason for signing up. For some, it’s about taking on a first running event. For others, it’s about improving on last year’s effort or doing something challenging for a cause that matters. Together, we’re all running to support the same thing: accessible mental health support in our local area.
This year’s team includes a mix of first-timers, returners, and a few people already questioning whether this was a sensible idea. Here’s a bit more about the people taking on the Stampede.
Team Reach
Ryan Delaney
Leading the charge
Back for another round, Ryan’s not only taking on the Stampede again, he’s also convinced more of the team it was a good idea. Aiming for a new PB and raising money for a cause that matters.
Isabella Last
First-time runner, questionable life choices (for May 17th at least)
This will be Isabella’s first ever running event, taking on the Stampede as a way to push herself outside her comfort zone. Doing it for MNEE Mind gives it a bit more purpose, supporting a cause that helps so many people made it an easy yes.
Chris Mayhew
Back again, and aiming to beat last year!
After taking on the Stampede before, Chris is back to improve on last year’s run and continue supporting a cause that matters locally. It’s as much about raising awareness as it is about the run itself, making sure people know there’s somewhere to turn if they need support.
Chris Lown-Smith (DC)
Running for the bigger picture
Chris is taking part to support a local, independent charity that relies on fundraising to keep going. For him, it’s about making sure people in our community can access mental health support when they need it, and helping fund something that genuinely makes a difference.
Lewis Fordham
Overcommitted, but in a good way.
Most of us are treating this as the main event. Lewis has a Half Ironman the day before, so the Stampede is effectively a follow-up.
Assuming he can still walk, he’ll be one to watch. If not, we’ll count the effort anyway.
Lewis doesn’t have his own fundraising page for obvious reasons, so if you’d like to support him, please sponsor Team Reach instead.
Support Team Reach
Everyone taking part is doing it for their own reasons, but we’re all running for the same thing: to raise money for Mid and North East Essex Mind and support the work they do in our community.
If you’d like to back the team, support the cause, or just reward our questionable decision-making, you can donate via our team JustGiving page below.
👉 Sponsor Team Reach:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/reach-digital-stampede
Thanks for your support.