Mental health campaigner Jonny Benjamin has celebrated another notable triumph after completing the London Marathon alongside Neil Laybourn - the man who stopped him from taking his own life nine years ago.
Former JFS pupil Mr Benjamin, was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, completed the run with Mr Laybourn in an impressive 5 hours and 28 minutes.
In a message posted on Facebook,Mr Benjamin wrote:”We actually did it!!!! 5 hours 28 minutes!! I can't believe it.
“It's hard to put the experience into words but it was pretty phenomenal.
“The best thing about today was running alongside Neil for 26.2 miles. We ran past Waterloo Bridge at one point, the place where we met. The journey we've been on since that day 9 years ago has been extraordinary. But we couldn't have done any it without your love and support and encouragement. So massive thank-you to all!”
Earlier this month Mr Benjamin, who is an ambassador for JAMI, the Jewish Association for Mental Illness, was been awarded an MBE from Prince William - arriving at Buckingham Palace in morning suit to collect the honour for services to national campaigning on awareness of suicide and mental illness.
In 2008 he tried to take his own life by jumping from Waterloo Bridge but was dissuaded by a passer-by. Mr Benjamin subsequently launched a campaign to track down the stranger, which attracted huge public interest and led to him being reunited with Mr Laybourn.
