Wakefield Business Leader Running Marathon For ANDYSMANCLUB

Running a marathon is a massive undertaking. Twenty-six point two miles of grit, pain and perseverance. But for Wakefield-born business leader Luke Johnson, the Managing Director of Decormax Limited, the 2026 London Marathon is about far more than a personal challenge. It’s about giving something back to the communities that shaped him – and shining a light on men’s mental health across Yorkshire and beyond.

Luke, who is based in Wakefield, is taking on the iconic London race in support of ANDYSMANCLUB, a men’s mental health charity with strong Yorkshire roots. What began as a small peer-support group in Halifax has grown into a nationwide movement, offering free, judgement-free spaces where men can talk openly about their struggles. For Luke, this is not just a charity run – it’s a deeply personal mission.

A Wakefield story with a powerful purpose

For Luke, supporting ANDYSMANCLUB feels close to home. He has personal experience of the charity’s work and credits it with helping him through challenging times. Last year, he raised £3,500 for Wakefield Hospice by running the London Marathon, but for 2026 he has set his sights even higher, aiming to raise £25,000.

That ambition reflects both his Yorkshire roots and his desire to give back locally and nationally. Mental health, Luke believes, affects every community – from city centres to market towns – including Wakefield and the wider Yorkshire region.

Luke explained:

“Last year I raised £3,500 at the London Marathon for Wakefield Hospice, and this year I wanted to give back more. I have personal experience of ANDYSMANCLUB – they have helped me personally through challenging times – and the fundraising target is £25k.

Mental health affects every family, every workplace, and every community. ANDYSMANCLUB is doing incredible work to break down barriers and offer support when people need it most. I wanted to do something meaningful that helps raise awareness and funds for a cause that genuinely changes lives.”

The funds raised will help ANDYSMANCLUB expand its network of groups, ensuring more men across Yorkshire and the UK can access free, local support.

Breaking the silence in a male-dominated industry

As Managing Director of Decormax Limited, Luke works at the heart of a traditionally male-dominated industry. Decormax is a leading distributor of premium decorative surfaces, supplying projects across the UK. It’s an industry facing significant pressures, with economic uncertainty and business closures taking a toll on mental wellbeing.

Luke believes that culture needs to change – not just nationally, but within industries rooted in hard work and resilience, like those found across Yorkshire.

He said:

“Being the MD of Decormax Limited puts me at the centre of a male-orientated industry that is challenged with uncertainty, where the words ‘I’m struggling’ are often replaced with ‘I’m fine, mate.’

Our industry is facing some of the toughest conditions in years, and it should be a more open and approachable place.”

By running the London Marathon so publicly, Luke hopes to encourage conversations among colleagues, suppliers and customers – showing that strength comes from speaking up, not staying silent.

A team run inspired by loss

Behind the fundraising is a heartbreakingly personal reason. A year ago, one of Luke’s friends tragically took his own life. That loss is the driving force behind the campaign.

Luke will be running as part of a team of 34, all honouring their friend’s memory and raising awareness of men’s mental health. During the race, Luke will wear a shirt featuring his friend’s image – a visible reminder of why the work of ANDYSMANCLUB matters so much.

He said:

“I’m running this marathon as a team of 34 in memory of a friend who sadly took his own life. I’ll be wearing a shirt with his image on to commemorate him and to raise awareness and funds for a charity that gives men a lifeline when everything else feels like it’s cracking around them.

If even one person in our industry sees this, reaches out for support and goes to a group, I’ll think I’ve succeeded.”

From Halifax to nationwide impact

ANDYSMANCLUB began in Halifax, making its Yorkshire origins especially meaningful for Luke. The charity offers free peer-to-peer support groups for men aged 18 and over, creating safe, confidential spaces to talk openly – often over a simple brew.

Lucas Whitehead from ANDYSMANCLUB highlighted why stories like Luke’s matter:

“Seventy-five percent of men who take their own life don’t engage with a support service before they do so. Men need to open up more.

Personal stories like this are so important – people find them relatable and it encourages others to come forward.”

A milestone year for a Yorkshire-led business

Luke’s marathon effort comes during a landmark year for Decormax, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Founded by Eric Johnson, the company continues to invest in new products and innovation – while also demonstrating a strong commitment to people and wellbeing.

Eric Johnson said:

“We’re incredibly proud of Luke – not just for leading the business into its next chapter, but for using his platform to support such an important charity. Mental health matters, and we’re pleased to stand alongside him in raising both funds and awareness.”

How you can support Luke’s run

Luke’s challenge may take place on the streets of London, but its heart is firmly rooted in Wakefield and Yorkshire. Support from the local community will be crucial in helping him reach his £25,000 target.

• To support Luke’s fundraising journey for the 2026 London Marathon, visit his official page: Luke Johnson’s Fundraising Page
• To learn more about the charity, visit www.andysmanclub.co.uk

Every donation helps ANDYSMANCLUB continue its vital work – ensuring more men across Yorkshire and the UK know that it’s okay to talk.