Listeners can now hear first-hand about the remarkable fundraising journey of serving West Yorkshire Police Officer Joe, whose extraordinary commitment to supporting police officers' mental health and wellbeing has earned recognition both on and off the running route.

Following the success of his incredible 100-kilometre station-to-station challenge across Leeds, Joe joined Thin Blue Line UK Chair and Trustee Dr Gary Craig MBE earlier this month for a live interview with BBC Radio Leeds presenter Gayle Lofthouse. During the interview, the pair discussed the inspiration behind Joe's fundraising efforts, the importance of wellbeing support within policing, and the impact that donations can have on officers and staff across the UK.

The interview follows Joe's remarkable achievement last month, when in July Joe set off from Wetherby Police Station with his colleague Ben at 5am and embarked on a gruelling 100km journey across Leeds, visiting police stations before crossing the finish line at Elland Road more than 18 hours later. The challenge tested Joe's physical and mental resilience, but thanks to the incredible support of colleagues, friends, family and members of the public, he successfully completed the feat while raising vital funds for Thin Blue Line UK.

Since beginning his fundraising campaign, Joe has raised an outstanding £4,095 so far, with donations continuing to support the charity's work in promoting and protecting the mental health and wellbeing of police officers and staff.

During the BBC Radio Leeds interview, Joe spoke candidly about the challenges he faced throughout the run, what motivated him to take on such an ambitious challenge, and why supporting officer wellbeing is a cause so close to his heart. Dr Gary Craig MBE also highlighted the growing importance of wellbeing support within policing and explained how fundraising efforts such as Joe's help Thin Blue Line UK continue providing support to those who need it most.

Adding another chapter to his inspiring story after the interview, Joe celebrated his birthday on 16 August 2026. While enjoying a well-earned break with family at Center Parcs, he could not resist adding more miles to his challenge. Rather than taking the day off completely, Joe marked his birthday by heading out for another run, demonstrating the dedication and determination that have become hallmarks of his fundraising journey.

Having already completed more than 700 miles in just 120 days, Joe's birthday run served as another reminder that his campaign is about far more than distance. It is a mission to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing within policing, encourage conversations around resilience, and generate vital funding to help support those who serve.

Speaking following the interview, Dr Gary Craig MBE the Founder, Chair and one of the Trustee's of Thin Blue Line UK said "It was a privilege to join Joe on BBC Radio Leeds and share his incredible story with listeners across the region. Joe's determination, resilience and commitment to supporting the wellbeing of fellow officers has been truly inspirational. The awareness he is generating around mental health within policing is just as important as the funds being raised. Most people would understandably take a well-deserved rest on their birthday, especially while away with family, but Joe's passion for supporting officer wellbeing never takes a day off. His dedication continues to inspire everyone connected with Thin Blue Line UK, and we are incredibly grateful for the support and awareness Joe is generating. I would also like to wish Joe a very Happy Birthday on behalf of us all here at Thin Blue Line UK".

Despite already achieving so much, Joe's fundraising journey is far from over. He continues to rack up miles as part of his ongoing challenge throughout 2026 and remains committed to supporting Thin Blue Line UK while encouraging open conversations about mental health across the policing community.

You can now listen to the BBC Radio Leeds interview with Gayle Lofthouse featuring Joe and Dr Gary Craig MBE by clicking the play button on the video below.

Supporters can also keep up to date with Joe's progress through his social media channels under Joe's 2026m in 2026 and donate to his fundraising campaign via his JustGiving page by clicking HERE.

Every mile Joe runs and every pound raised for Thin Blue Line UK helps ensure that police officers and staff across the UK have access to mental health and wellbeing support when they need it most.