When we asked Jordan why he’d chosen the Christmas and New Year period to take on this challenge, when most people were enjoying the festivities, he explained that while the festive period is a time for celebration and joy, for many it can be a period of stress, sadness and loneliness, especially for those who are struggling financially. It’s particularly difficult for people who have poor mental health.

Jordan was born and raised in the south-west of Scotland. At the age of 19, he moved to the Netherlands to play for the Tovaal Rugby Club. He’s lived in the Netherlands for more than 7 years, working as a carpenter while continuing to play and coach rugby.

This wasn’t Jordan’s first time fundraising for charity. In 2021, he ran 60km for 113 Zelfmoorde preventie (suicide prevention) in the Netherlands and in September 2023 he ran 120km for the mental health charity MIND, who focus on creating a psychologically healthier Netherlands.

Jordan chose to support The Jordan Legacy, initially due to our own connection with rugby and the Jordan Legacy Rugby team which is based in the Netherlands and plays tournaments all over the world. This peaked Jordan’s curiosity, so he checked out our website. He read our Jordan’s story and was moved to tears.

Jordan explained: “A lot of Jordan’s story resonated with me. How life on the outside can look all great and perfect but the reality is you never really know what anyone is thinking or feeling. Sometimes the signs aren’t always there. I always found it easier to put on a mask and just smile through it all. I didn’t want people to really know how I was feeling or even how I was thinking to be honest. I didn’t take how I felt seriously, until over time it all just compounded. In October 2023 it felt like the world was caving in around me and I didn’t have the answer or even know how to fix it. I made a video at home talking about how I felt. Looking back at that video, I looked like ghost a shadow of my former self.”

Jordan continues; “It wasn’t a video talking about how I felt, it was more an apology of why I couldn’t keep going. I showed that video to Lois who is the team manager of the 1st team at my club. As soon as she saw it, she told the coaches at the club about my situation. Being honest, I felt ashamed and disappointed that I allowed myself to fall that far into that dark hole.”

“The coaches got in contact with me and invited me to dinner with them. They were extremely understanding and caring and supported me when I needed help the most. I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. They also supported me and helped me get back into therapy so I could receive the help I needed. If I didn’t show that video to Lois. I don’t think I would be standing here today.”

Jordan Paterson’s story is why The Jordan Legacy exists and why we won’t rest in our mission to do all we can to move closer toward a ‘Zero Suicide Society’; one that is willing and able to do all it can to prevent all preventable suicides.