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MR Barbers, with shops in Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Stowmarket, unite for Jurassic Coast challenge for 12th Man charity




A barbers franchise with shops in Suffolk came together to complete a 100km challenge to raise money for a men’s mental health charity that raises awareness and helps men talk more openly.

MR Barbers, which has sites in Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket, Sudbury and Thetford, had a mixture of owners, managers, barbers, friends and family members walk 100km in less than 24 hours for 12th Man.

A total of 17 people from the franchise took part in the challenge along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and Devon on Saturday, but only seven of them actually managed to finish it.

MR Barbers completed the 100km challenge to raise money 12th Man - a men’s mental health charity. Picture: Ashton King
MR Barbers completed the 100km challenge to raise money 12th Man - a men’s mental health charity. Picture: Ashton King

Ashton King, 30, who finished the challenge, lives in Bury and works as a barber in the St Andrew’s Street South shop - one of two in the town.

He said: “It was incredibly tough but it honestly felt surreal actually doing the challenge.

“We signed up for it nearly a year ago and there’s been so much much planning, training and time spent talking about it, so I’m thrilled to have it done and it’s definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done by far.

The seven guys who finished the 100km walk along the Jurassic Coast. Picture: Ashton King
The seven guys who finished the 100km walk along the Jurassic Coast. Picture: Ashton King

“I never thought it would be easy but it was much harder than I thought. I think we all underestimated the tiredness and damage the terrain can do to our legs.

“It was a real mixture of challenges and it was very difficult, especially through the night, but we all worked as a team and crossed the line together after 23 hours and 45 minutes.

“We’ve been flooded with congratulations and kind messages so thank you to everyone for the support as the messages kept us going through the dark times and down moments.”

Following the colossal walk, the group has now raised more than £7,200 - just short of their £8,000 target on their JustGiving page.

The group has helped to raise more than £7,200 for 12th Man. Picture: Ashton King
The group has helped to raise more than £7,200 for 12th Man. Picture: Ashton King

All funds are going towards the 12th Man charity.