Community | Mental Health | Podcast

EP41: How sharing a challenge showed the strength in community

James Cornish’s journey through mental wellness led him to create an incredible 24-hour fitness fundraiser for NABS. He found that staying active not only helps our bodies but also our minds.

Movement, mindset and mental wellness

James Cornish is SVP of international sales and partnerships at Vivo. He’s also a fitness enthusiast who turned his passion into a brilliant community fundraiser for NABS, bringing together people from across adland to compete in the ATHX Games fitness challenge to raise much-needed funds.

In this episode – still recovering after undertaking his 24-hour fitness challenge – our guest James Cornish shares his honest experience of navigating mental wellness in a high-pressure industry,  and how it led him to take on a 24-hour fitness challenge in support of NABS.

During lockdown, James felt the impact of isolation firsthand. As someone who relies on movement and community to stay well, losing access to the gym and daily connection left him feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. His story is a reminder that mental health can shift quietly and that recognising what helps you cope is powerful.

James speaks openly about the importance of making time for yourself. For him, carving out just 45 minutes to move made a significant difference. It’s not about elite fitness — it’s about finding something that helps you reset.

Motivated by his experience, James brought the industry together for the ATHX 24-hour Challenge, raising more than £27,000 for NABS. The event combined endurance, teamwork and community spirit — proving that connection and movement can have a real impact on mental wellbeing.

What you’ll take away

  • Why small, consistent habits protect your mental wellness

  • The link between movement, community and resilience

  • If you have a passion that you can turn into a fundraiser, other adlanders will want to join you.

  • Tap into your contacts when you want to organise something – you’ll receive lots of help.

If this conversation resonates with you, remember you don’t have to navigate things alone.

Explore free, confidential support from NABS. We’re in your corner.

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