The Weight We Carry – Bradley Heron’s Story

800 miles. 20 days. One message: men’s mental health matters.

What first inspired you to take on this challenge, and why now?

I’ve had my own battles with mental health since leaving the military, and I know how heavy that weight can feel. The idea behind this challenge came from wanting to turn that invisible weight into something people can actually see.

Now feels like the right time because I’m finally in a place where I can push myself to the limit and speak openly — to help others who might still be struggling in silence.

Running 800 miles in 20 days is extreme in itself — what made you decide to do it wearing a weight vest?

The vest symbolises the unseen weight that men carry with them every day. For me, this isn’t just about covering distance — it’s about making that struggle visible. Every mile with the vest is a reminder that people are fighting battles others can’t always see.

Men’s mental health is at the heart of your challenge. What message do you most want people to take away from The Weight We Carry?

That it’s okay to speak up. Strength isn’t about keeping quiet and shouldering everything alone — it’s about having the courage to open up, to lean on others, and to realise you’re not weak for doing so.

If one person reaches out for help after seeing this challenge, then it’s worth every mile.

You’ve got a military background — how has your time in the Parachute Regiment shaped the way you approach endurance and mental resilience?

The Paras taught me discipline, resilience, and how to keep going when everything in you is telling you to stop. Whether it was carrying heavy kit on long tabs or leading others under pressure, I learned to embrace discomfort and push beyond it.

That mindset is exactly what I’ll be relying on day after day throughout this challenge.

How much running experience do you have — have you done ultras or multi-day events before?

I haven’t done anything on this scale before! I’ve always been into fitness — even before joining The Parachute Regiment — but this is by far the biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on.

For me, part of the appeal is stepping into the unknown and proving that you don’t need to be an elite athlete to take on something extraordinary.

What kit will you be relying on day-to-day, and how important is the right gear when you’re covering this kind of distance?

The essentials are my weighted vest, a solid rotation of running shoes, proper foot care, high-visibility clothing, and torches to keep me safe on the road.

The right kit makes a huge difference — but because I’ve never done anything quite like this before, I’m still learning what works best. Preparation is everything, both physically and mentally.

What does a typical training week look like for you right now as you prepare?

My training weeks are intense. I’m building mileage with long runs, incorporating weighted vest sessions to get used to the load, lifting in the gym to stay strong, and focusing on recovery to keep my body in one piece.

Sundays are usually my long run days, Wednesdays my weighted vest run, and the rest of the week I’m juggling running, gym, and endurance sessions — often twice a day. I’m also working full-time, so it’s a challenge to fit everything in, but it’s getting done.

Fuelling is a huge part of getting through something like this. What’s been your experience so far, and what are you hoping BareFuel will add to your toolkit?

I’ve learned quickly how critical fuelling is, especially during longer sessions. It’s not just about running anymore — it’s about keeping energy levels stable and recovering properly.

Since trying BareFuel, I’ve found it gives me a steady, clean source of energy that doesn’t upset my stomach. That’s a big deal for me. A lot of products I’ve used in the past have made me feel sick, but BareFuel just works — it helps me stay consistent and focus on the miles ahead without worrying about crashing.

How do you plan to manage recovery and keep going day after day across 20 days?

Recovery will be just as important as running. I’ll be focusing on stretching, eating well, hydrating, getting as much sleep as I can, and listening to my body.

I know I won’t feel fresh every morning, but it’s about doing everything I can to stay functional — ice, compression, mobility work, and proper nutrition all play a part.

What’s the toughest part of the challenge you’re anticipating — the distance, the vest, the mental battle, or something else?

Honestly, it’s the combination of everything. The miles are long, the vest is heavy, and the mental side will be relentless.

If I had to choose one, it would be the mental battle — because that’s where you either break or keep moving forward. And that’s exactly why I’m doing it.

What keeps you motivated when the miles (and the weight) start to feel overwhelming?

The cause. Knowing that I’m running for something bigger than myself.

When it hurts, I’ll remind myself that there are people who face battles every single day they can’t simply run away from. Compared to that, I can keep putting one foot in front of the other.

How can people best support you — whether that’s donating, sharing, or getting involved?

The biggest thing people can do is spread the word and get behind the message. Donations are amazing and go directly to the cause, but just as important is sharing the story, starting conversations, and showing others they’re not alone.

 

Talk about it. Post about it. Support the men around you who might be struggling. That’s what The Weight We Carry is all about.

Support Bradley’s Mission

Follow his journey on social media and help raise awareness for men’s mental health.

Every share, every donation, and every conversation matters.

👉 Highland Fuel is proud to support Bradley throughout his 800-mile challenge — fuelling him mile after mile with BareFuel.