Celebrating courage and commitment: Claire & Matt’s inspiring journeys to raise money for Mind
At E.ON, we take great pride in our colleagues who push boundaries, inspire others, and support causes that have a meaningful impact on people's lives.
Claire Sutton from our Customer Support team and Matt Gee, an electrician who fits solar panels for our customers, recently showcased their passion and dedication in amazing ways — one through completing the London Marathon, and the other by stepping into the boxing ring to raise money for a cause close to his heart.
Their journeys remind us not only of the power of personal resilience but also of the importance of supporting mental health awareness.
Claire Sutton: finding strength in every step
Claire was one of the courageous runners who crossed the finish line at the London Marathon and raised £500 for Mind. In her own words, she described the experience as “one of the most amazing moments of my life”. Having previously completed the Manchester Marathon in 2022, Claire knew the physical and mental challenge of running 26.2 miles, but London, she says, was something else.
“I was nervous, excited,” Claire shared. “I was doing this without the support of my ‘running buddies’ and running club, that had helped me with my training. Whether I crossed the line, was down to me now. At times self-doubt crept in, but I made my way to the start, gained a supportive running companion on the way and before I knew it, I was off!”
The marathon became more than just a physical challenge — it was an emotional journey, encouraged by the incredible atmosphere: “The crowd, the volunteers, the banners — they carry you through,” Claire said. “I passed on the free beer, but reading signs like ‘toenails are overrated’ and ‘marathons are tough, but so are YOU!’ gave me the energy I needed to keep going.”
For Claire, running is about more than fitness. It's a way to clear her mind and take care of her mental health. “Running for me is important not just to keep fit physically, but also mentally,” she says. “Lots of people say, ‘I couldn’t even run for a minute, let alone a mile.’ My advice is, give it a try. As Usain Bolt said, ‘The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in determination.’”
Claire’s journey reminds us that mental and physical well-being go hand in hand, and that the support of those around us can make all the difference.
Matt Gee: fighting for mental health awareness
While Claire was chasing the pavement in London, Matt was stepping into a very different kind of arena — a boxing ring in Stoke on Trent. As part of a charity boxing match, Matt raised over £1,000 for Mind, our charity partner that focuses on mental health.
“I decided to raise money for Mind because it’s a cause that’s really close to my heart,” Matt explained. “My wife and son both have ADHD, and while we’ve been fortunate enough to get them diagnosed, they’re constantly battling something that many people don’t fully understand. There are so many children and adults who are still struggling without a diagnosis, and it has a huge impact on their mental health.”
Matt trained for ten weeks before stepping into the ring, where he competed in front of a crowd of around thousand people — including his family and friends who cheered him on to victory. His efforts, combined with E.ON’s match-funding program, allowed him to exceed his fundraising goal, raising £1,165 for Mind.
Matt’s story highlights not just his personal dedication but also E.ON’s larger commitment to promoting mental health awareness and support.
E.ON is proud to be one of the UK’s top 10 most inclusive employers, and our partnership with Mind is just one way we’re driving positive change, both within the company and in society.
Inspiring change, one step at a time
Since 2022, E.ON has been working with Mind as a charity partner, raising £250,000 to support mental health services through various activities like Matt’s boxing match, marathons, skydives, bake sales, and more. As part of our commitment to supporting mental health, E.ON matches donations made by colleagues, doubling the impact of their fundraising efforts.
Their efforts reflect the heart of E. ON’s values: supporting the well-being of our employees, championing mental health awareness, and driving positive change in the communities we serve.