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Johnny Bradley

The Medicine Ball Challenge

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

£1,106 + £141.64 GiftAid

My Goal

£1,000

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My Updates

I’m still Continuing with the challenge

The support that’s been amazing and the impact the challenge has had on individuals talking about mental health has been phenomenal. Thank you to everyone who has donated and shared the fundraiser. I am still continuing with the challenge for a little while longer so any donations would be great.

Telford Big Sleep out

On 17th November I took part in the Telford Big Sleep out because 45% of people experiencing homelessness have been diagnosed with a mental health issue.

Mental health issues are deeply connected to the trauma and adversity people who are homeless face. So it felt very poignant having it with while I took part in the Telford Big Sleep Out. 


I feel like Tom Hanks in Castaway, having formed an attachment to it.

I've achieved my goal, yet I find myself still handcuffed to the medicine ball, truthfully unprepared to let go. I feel like Tom Hanks in Castaway, having formed an attachment to it. 

It's true that many individuals can fully recover from the adverse effects of mental health issues with the right treatment and support. However, for many others, including myself, the effects can be recurring. Therefore, I believe it's crucial to learn and cultivate positive coping strategies to manage the symptoms. Despite the challenge of carrying the medicine ball around, I've adapted and overcome the difficulties it presents much like my mental health. 

Featured on the BBC News

Check out the article from the BBC News below.

Interview with BBC radio Shropshire Coming Soon.

I just had the pleasure of being interviewed by Paul Shuttleworth from BBC Radio Shropshire regarding the Medicine Ball Challenge. I'll keep you posted on the broadcast date. A huge thank you to everyone who has shown their support and generously made a donation.

I talked to the Shropshire Star about taking on the challenge

Click the link below to read the article. 

https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/health/2023/12/01/shropshire-soldier-stays-cuffed-to-5kg-weight-for-weeks-to-lift-the-weight-of-mental-health-stigma/

A fantastic opportunity but it’s not over

It’s been a fantastic opportunity taking on this challenge especially how it’s raised awareness and helped break the stigma around mental heath and more importantly how it’s helped encourage people to talk about their Mental health. However I’m not finished and I’m determined to raise more awareness. 

Thank you to everyone who has donated 

“Why I have continued the medicine ball challenge longer than the intended 7 days”

Any donations towards my fundraiser or support you can give would be much appreciated. The Medicine Ball Challenge Is meant to be for 7 days but I have had it handcuffed to me for 2 weeks and 4 days now. I am determined to meet my target of raising £1,000 to support those in need. So, if you can donate even a small amount, it will greatly help.

"𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝟕 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬."

Firsty, the goal of the Medicine Ball Challenge is to increase awareness and promote open discussions around mental health. Its aim is to foster meaningful conversations towards positive change and to encourage everyone to talk openly about mental health. Despite the challenge of carrying it everywhere I go, It has become a valuable opportunity to raise awareness and initiate conversations about mental health with my family, friends, colleagues, and at the various places I volunteer. The burden of having it handcuffed to me most definitely outweighs the positives and impact that it’s making. 

Medicine Ball Challenge update and some personal insights.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer with Allsports Coaches Coaching Academy CIC in various capacities. However, my proudest involvement lies in my role with the veterans' football program, which was set up in partnership with AFC Telford United Foundation.

Before our weekly kickabout, there is an opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea, chat, and have a bit of banter. One of the most fulfilling aspects of being part of it is witnessing the positive impact it has had on those who attend and the connections formed through their shared experiences.

I have personally seen how participating in the program has helped veterans' mental well-being and overall quality of life. The camaraderie and support within the group are truly inspiring, and I feel a great sense of pride being part of the fantastic team who set it up.

Tonight, the medicine ball played a significant role in opening up discussions about mental health. The impact of the Medicine Ball Challenge and what it represented seemed to resonate with everyone. I have had numerous meaningful conversations this week that I would not have had without the presence of the medicine ball.

It might be a physical burden, but it has been a fantastic opportunity to open up the sometimes awkward talks about our mental health.

To make a personal or company Donation towards my fundraiser: https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/fundraisers/johnnybradley

All money raised goes to Combat Stress: The UK's Leading Charity for Veterans' Mental Health and Army Benevolent Fund  to help support veterans and serving personnel dealing with mental health struggles. 

I am pictured below with one of the ACCA Directors stuart cook. Stuart is a veteran who served with the Welsh Guards, and I just wanted to add that over the past few months, he has been a huge support to me personally. So thank you, mate.

Medicine Ball challenge update & Coaching at Brightstar.

Medicine Ball Challenge update..


In my experience, based on what I've learned from counseling and mental health courses, many people can fully recover from the negative effects of mental health with the right treatment and support.


However, for many individuals, the effects of mental health can be recurring. Therefore, it’s important to learn and develop positive coping mechanisms to manage the symptoms. To prioritise my mental health and maintain a positive mindset, I try to stay active and set small, achievable goals. By staying active and setting realistic targets, I am able to stay focused, maintain a positive outlook, and nurture my mental health.


Another way I prioritise my mental health is by volunteering to support others. Tonight, I was coaching at Brightstar. It gives me huge satisfaction to help others through boxing because I know firsthand how impactful it can be. During the session, having the medicine ball handcuffed to my wrist presented its own unique set of difficulties, especially when demonstrating the correct way to throw a jab.


 However, it provided me with a fantastic opportunity to discuss the importance of mental health, the significance of the medicine ball, and what it represented. Most importantly, it encouraged conversations around mental health and the importance of fostering an environment where open discussions about it should be encouraged.

Helping Councillor Gough Clean the War Memorial before todays Remembrance Service.

I had the privilege of assisting Cllr Jay Gough early this morning, before the remembrance parade, in sprucing up the Donnington, Telford war memorial. Despite the chilly, wet and windy weather, it was an immense honour to help out and of course I had my Medicine Ball with me.

I took the medicine ball to new heights. literally

Walking The Wrekin: Taking the Medicine Ball Challenge to New Heights

My two children and I made it up The Wrekin with the Medicine Ball on Remembrance day. The hill is an elevation of 407 meters (1,335 feet) above sea level.


I remember whose burdened by the invisible scars of mental health issues

I remember the brave individuals, both my friends and fellow servicemen and women, who returned from war and conflicts burdened by the invisible scars of mental health issues. For some their struggles became so overwhelming that they ultimately chose to end their own lives. 

By supporting my Medicine Ball Challenge you can contribute to Combat Stress: The UK's Leading Charity for Veterans' Mental Health  & Army Benevolent Fund efforts in assisting those in need. For 7 days, I will be carrying a medicine ball attached to my wrist, symbolising the weight of mental health burdens that many of us carry every day. Your support can make a difference in alleviating this burden and providing much-needed assistance to those serving and veterans and those who need it.

#medicineballchallenge

Walking The Wrekin: Taking the Medicine Ball Challenge to New Heights

Walking The Wrekin: Taking the Medicine Ball Challenge to New Heights

To enhance fundraising efforts and raise awareness, I am taking my medicine ball challenge to new heights - quite literally. On Remembrance Day, I will embark on a journey up The Wrekin, using the opportunity to honour and remember my friends and fellow servicemen and women who have been affected by the hidden burden of mental health and tragically ended their own lives. The Wrekin, a prominent hill in east Shropshire, stands just five miles west of Telford and straddles the border between Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. Rising above the Shropshire Plain, it reaches an elevation of 407 meters (1,335 feet) above sea level.

If you can donate, your support will help veterans and those serving dealing with poor mental health. All proceeds go to Army Benevolent Fund and Combat Stress

A Reminder of darker times.

After dropping off my kids at school, with the medicine ball handcuffed to my wrist, I stuck to my usual routine and headed to the café for my morning coffee. The presence of the medicine ball made me feel uneasy and self-conscious, especially with the curious glances from the staff and children at the school. I found myself instinctively trying to hide it, which reminded me of how I used to hide my own mental health issues for years. Sometimes, the signs of mental health struggles are visible to others, but often they go unnoticed. 

Our mental health can be met with judgment and a lack of understanding, just like the uncomfortable stares I had while walking around with the medicine ball. It made me realise in that moment that we can feel the same way when trying to hide our mental health struggles, and that very feeling made me realise how crucial it is to break the stigma and create an environment where open discussions about it are welcomed and encouraged. Like many others, I was embarrassed about my mental health, just like I was at the school. I realise how symbolic, important, and empowering this challenge really is, and it has become even more apparent to me despite the embarrassment, the connection it has and its visible representation of our own mental health.

Let’s Break the stigma.

After dropping off my kids at school, with the medicine ball handcuffed to my wrist, I stuck to my usual routine and headed to the café for my morning coffee. The presence of the medicine ball made me feel uneasy and self-conscious, especially with the curious glances from the staff and children at the school. I found myself instinctively trying to hide it, which reminded me of how I used to hide my own mental health issues for years. Sometimes, the signs of mental health struggles are visible to others, but often they go unnoticed. Our mental health can be met with judgment and a lack of understanding, just like the uncomfortable stares I had while walking around with the medicine ball. It made me realize in that moment that we can feel the same way when trying to hide our mental health struggles, and that very feeling makes me realize how crucial it is to break the stigma and create an environment where open discussions about it are welcomed and encouraged. Like many others, I was embarrassed about my mental health, just like I was in that moment. I realise how symbolic, important, and empowering this challenge actually is, and it has become even more apparent to me the connection it has and its visible representation of our mental health.

The Medicine Ball Challenge Begins…Bring it on!

I now have the 3kg medicine ball attached to my wrist where it will stay continuously for 7 days representing the visible burden of poor mental health.

One in four adults experience mental illness, and it’s my goal to use this challenge to encourage people to seek support and speak out if they are struggling. 

Your Support and donation will help those in need. 

Thank you to my Sponsors

£200

Telford Batman - Dmpc

£51.25

Beth Wild

Full of admiration! Well done and hope you can still drive with it past the school to say hi 😉!

£51.25

Andrew Aubrey

Well done Johnny - great to meet you yesterday and amazing story 👍🏼

£51.25

Rjc (mechanical) Ltd

Well done Johnny and for a great cause!

£30.75

Michael Farrell

Well done Johnny

£30.75

Paddy Maccarthy

Good man Johnny, proud of you buddy, sorry for the late donation but good to see your keeping the fire lit 👌

£30

Marcus Keane

Well done Mate

£28.70

Ac May

Great cause JB Proud of you 👍

£25

Anonymous

£25

Caspar Biety-eggert

£24

Zandra Bradley

Proud of you for all your charity work xx

£20.50

Donna Sayer

£20.50

Simon Heys

Well done on your challenge. A very visible reminder of the mental health burden that several ex servicemen carry with them. I wish you every success.

£20.50

Dr Robby Allen

Great work Johnny!

£20.50

Simon Fp

£20.50

Thomas Belfield

£20.50

Jim Prescott

Well done Johnny, raising much needed funds for such a good cause.

£20

Julie Barrow

Excellent iniative Johnny.

£20

Louise Cooper

£20

Dot Morris

Hi Johnny, I am Marcus Keane’s Mom, he told me about your cause & I wanted to donate, keep up the good work. x

£20

Cindy Mason-morris

Best wishes for the challenge.

£20

Chris Salford Troubadour Matthews

£20

Peter Sewell

Well done for raising awareness Johnny.

£20

Elizabeth Bourne

£20

Chris Lorimer

£20

Matthew Hazlett

Great idea and a great cause!

£20

William G

Keep smashing it Johnny 💪🏻☘️ (Templar Coy 06)

£20

Mods Of Your Generation

£13

Marcus Keane

Got you to a Thousand Mate, Well Done Telford is Proud. 👍

£10.25

Anonymous

Well done Johnny, you are doing brilliantly.

£10.25

Darren Tuck

Well done Johnny for doing this. What a brilliant cause good luck brother I wish you all the best xxx

£10.25

Val Kennett

Great cause, well done! Beth’s mum

£10.25

Doreen Edmonds

good luck x

£10.25

South Coast Mods

All the best Johnny from all of us down in Sussex!

£10.25

Christine Elliott

Well done! Keep going. I have MH problems. My father was in the Royal Engineers during the Second World War. It was not easy to handle the stresses of what he experienced once he left the Army(1950?) in later life, my brother and he sat down to watch Saving Private Ryan together. My father’s response was that some of it was just like that. A few years ago my brother and I looked through some of Dads photos. At the end of the war he ended up in in the hook of Holland where he was involved in running a POW camp for Germans, where they were split into skill sets to work as carpenters,blacksmiths etc. Anyway good luck with everything. Christine

£10

Dave

£10

Michael Horner

£10

Leslie Ball

Fantastic idea Johnny and I’m sure will be equally well executed. Good effort!

£10

Julia

Go for it Johnny. Love it. ✊❤️

£10

Julie Lockley (brightstar Boxing)

£10

Andy F

Great job Johnny

£8

Anonymous

£6.23

Anonymous

Keep up the fantastic work.

£5.80

Juliebates & Katie Gilbertson.

£5.13

Rachael Crompton

Good luck Johnny and well done for raising MH awareness !

£5.13

Jon & Claire Holt

Keep up the great work

£5.13

May Clayton

Well done Johnny! From the girl in the shop 😀

£5.13

Anonymous

£5

Mods Of Your Generation

A great way to promote open discussions about mental health.

£5

Mr Roycroft & Mrs Farley

£5

Rebecca Hennessey

£5

Anonymous

£5

Rory Bowler

£5

Glen Ward

£5

Sharon & Hilary

You’re an inspiration to us all Johnny. Well done.

£2

Terry Revitt - Waters Upton Parish Centre Village Shop

Fantastic Challenge and what it represents.

£2

Charles Morgan

Your dedication to various charities over the years is truly commendable and deserves the utmost recognition. Sorry I can’t give more towards the fundraiser but I wish you nothing but the best with the challenge.

£1

Hugh Anus

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