Nine years ago, Jonny Benjamin was perched on the edge of Waterloo Bridge, ready to take his own life. But fate intervened in the form of Neil Laybourn, a passing stranger who stopped to talk him down. Recently, the two crossed the finish line of the London Marathon together.
Jonny, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at age 20, had reached a breaking point. But Neil’s compassionate words, “I really believe you’re going to get better, mate,” gave him hope. The pair went their separate ways, but Jonny never forgot his savior. In 2014, he launched a campaign, which went viral and reunited the two men.
Since their emotional reunion, Jonny and Neil have become the best of friends and advocates for suicide prevention. They have met with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, who support mental health charities like Heads Together. Together, they ran the 2017 London Marathon, completing the 26.2 miles in 5 hours and 28 minutes.
Jonny’s journey has not been without challenges. He has faced setbacks in his training and even experienced a psychotic episode in public. But through it all, Neil has been by his side, supporting him and reminding him of the progress they’ve made.
As Jonny and Neil crossed the finish line together, they celebrated not only their physical accomplishment but also the emotional journey they have shared. Their story is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope, and that a simple act of kindness can change the course of a life forever.