Our journey to connection and understanding

At 950Mindset, we believe in the power of conversation to break down stigma and foster genuine connection. Discover our mission to support those affected by trauma and our commitment to making a difference.

Our challenge: John O' Groats to Leighton Buzzard

We invite you to engage with us in our next monumental challenge: a gruelling ~650-mile trek from John O' Groats to Leighton Buzzard. Completed over 14 consecutive days, this journey traverses rural sparsity into high-density community hubs. Our core goal is 950 face-to-face conversations, as every conversation represents a life acknowledged—breaking down stigma, sharing lived experiences, and offering immediate empathy.

Our unique approach to impact

The core revenue raised during the 650-mile trek  will directly funds OLLIE’s primary work:

  • Free & Subsidized Training: Funds certified suicide awareness, intervention, and first-aid courses (such as ASIST and Suicide First Aid) for parents, teachers, carers, and front-line workers.

  • School & Youth Workshops: Pays for early-intervention talks and mental health resilience programs delivered directly in schools, colleges, and universities across the UK.

  • Equipping Communities: Allows OLLIE to train everyday people to spot early signs of distress and intervene safely before a crisis escalates.

Honouring a promise, saving lives

For Neil, the founder of 950Mindset, keeping that promise isn't just about fundraising—it's about honoring a friend, honoring a word, and backing a cause that saves lives. Our core beliefs are rooted in this deep commitment to those affected by trauma. We interact with charity's and the community with empathy, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to making a difference.

"The work of 950Mindset provides an invaluable circuit breaker for isolation, offering hope and connection when it's needed most."

 Meet the team 

 

Ultra-Endurance Athlete 

    “Pain is temporary. The impact lasts forever.”

    A carpenter with an iron mindset, Dan serves as the team's physical and mental anchor when conditions turn brutal. Harnessing his ADHD hyperfocus, he tunes out extreme cold, pain, and exhaustion to execute under pressure. Driven by purpose rather than personal accolades, Dan channels his blue-collar work ethic and deep-phase endurance into every challenge—proving that neurodiversity is a formidable superpower for families in crisis.

    Dan Ellis 

     

    Founder & Ultra-Runner

    “You said it, so we're doing it.”

    A bricklayer, father of five, and the relentless engine behind 950mindset, Neil turns casual promises into unstoppable charity movements. Powered by intense ADHD hyperfocus, he possesses a rare ability to erase mental barriers and push through catastrophic physical limits—exemplified by his 950-mile solo run for Young Lives vs Cancer. Driven by a strict moral code and personal impact, Neil channels his extreme determination outward to change lives.

    Neil Mills

     

    Ultra-Endurance Athlete

    “Refusal to quit isn't an option—it's the baseline.”

    A BT Engineer and Airbnb host, Sacha is the unyielding operational backbone of the team. As crew chief during the 950-mile run, he mastered high-stakes logistics, emergency problem-solving, and non-stop medical support as conditions deteriorated. Utilizing his ADHD hyperfocus to keep the mission locked on target, Sacha proves that driving the support crew takes just as much grit, heart, and refusal to quit as running the miles yourself.

    Sacha Fuller

    Carpenter & Partner, SD Carpentry

    “Head of Overthinking & Unrealistic Timeframes.”

    As co-partner at SD Carpentry, Steve is the team’s ultimate taskmaster and relentless optimist. Known for setting seemingly unachievable goals in absurd timeframes, he has a knack for getting things done—even if it's usually in the most backward way possible. Beyond the trade, Steve keeps the team connected and moving forward, using his knack for organization to lead social events, bring people together, and power their community fundraisers.

    Steve Dynes 

    | Bricklayer & Support Team

    “Strongest advocate. Clean living. Brother's keeper.”

    Neil’s brother and a skilled bricklayer at SD Carpentry, Daron is one of the team's most devoted advocates. Having built a strong, positive outlook through a commitment to clean living, he brings grounded energy and unwavering support to every challenge. As the person who knows Neil best, Daron understands exactly what makes his brother tick—knowing when to offer a steadying hand and precisely when to push him to his absolute limits.

    Daron Gregory

    | Carpenter & Partner, SD Carpentry

    “Putting in the miles (and watching what I say around Neil).”

    As co-partner at SD Carpentry, Kris is a fiercely dependable pillar of both the business and the support team. Quietly grinding through the distance, he makes sure to put in the hard physical miles while carefully filtering his words—knowing any offhand idea might become Neil’s next extreme challenge. Grounded, steady, and ready for whatever gets thrown his way, Kris brings quiet strength and reliability to every step of the journey.

    Kris Osborne

     Logistics Lead & Head Support

    “The team's chief strategist, cheerleader, and problem solver.”

    Paul is the logistics mastermind who keeps the entire operation moving forward. Exceptional at rallying support and securing resources right when Neil needs them most, he steps into whichever role the challenge demands—whether that's tackling miles alongside the team, directing behind-the-scenes strategy, or serving as the ultimate cheerleader. Reliable and resourcefully sharp, Paul brings high energy, crucial backup, and order to the team's most chaotic endeavours.

    Paul Hansen

    Event Director & International Liaison

    “Bridging borders to make big ideas happen.”

    A close friend of Neil’s since meeting in South Africa, Peter was the mastermind behind arranging their international event and driving the fundraising efforts to get them there. Seamlessly coordinating the workforce alongside Neil, he turned a complex global challenge into a massive success. Dependable and resourcefully driven, Peter brings sharp organizational skills, deep friendship, and crucial leadership to the team's international operations.

     

    Peter Baldwin

     Watching my dad take on crazy challenges is inspiring, but for me, it goes much deeper than the finish lines. I know his past and the profound changes he’s made to become the person he is today—getting a front-row seat to that transformation has been incredible.

    We’re constantly in touch; during his 950 challenge, we spoke every single day. I see all the hard work that happens behind the scenes and the real impact he has on others. That drive rubbed off on me, inspiring me to take on my own hurdles—from skydiving to joining him on runs, with plenty more to come.

    When Dad disappears on another wild endeavour, our family makes sacrifices, but we fully support him. My brother, stepsisters, and I understand the bigger picture: he’s striving to make a difference and set a lasting example for us. Above all, I’m just proud to be his son and one of his biggest supporters.

     

                             Joe Healy 

    Some people only step in once the momentum is already built. Sean was there long before that.

    After closely following our work in South Africa, he made a clear commitment: if we ever launched another project, he wanted in. And he meant every word. From day one, Sean has been one of our strongest advocates—sharing the mission, lifting the team, and keeping the energy alive during critical moments.

    When the skydive opportunity came up through Jack at Jack’s House—a connection made during the original 950—Sean stepped forward without a second thought.

    Today, Sean is a vital part of the 950 team, bringing unwavering loyalty, belief, and heart to everything we do. As we look ahead to expanding our impact and diving into the next 950 conversations, we couldn't be gladder to have him on this journey with us.

    Sean Visick

    Charlie George is Neil’s son and indisputably his biggest fan, standing by his father’s side through every step of his journey. Deeply involved in supporting Neil's pursuits, Charlie provides the unwavering encouragement, energy, and inspiration that drive his dad forward.

    His dedication was on full display during the demanding "950 Round the Houses" challenge. Just as the physical and mental toll reached its peak, Charlie made a surprise visit that instantly turned the tide. Seeing his son there gave Neil the vital second wind and motivation he needed to dig deep, overcome the final gruelling stretches, and push all the way to the finish line.

    Charlie isn't just a spectator—he’s right there in the trenches, too. During the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge, after slogging through 24 relentless miles, Charlie made his stance on extreme endurance crystal clear. He turned to Neil and deadpanned that if his dad ever asked him to do this challenge again, he wouldn't hesitate to report him to Childline! 🤣

    Charlie George 

    Lee, Neil’s older brother, and his fiancée Hayley have been an important part of the journey from the very beginning.

    Lee was there for Neil’s first-ever marathon in Brighton, covering around 14 miles on foot himself just trying to follow Neil around the course and support him. Since then, he’s taken on challenges of his own, including the Manchester Marathon and Yorkshire Three Peaks, while continuing to back Neil every step of the way.

    When Neil announced the 950-mile challenge, Lee believed in him even when plenty of others thought it couldn’t be done.

    During the 950, Lee and Hayley became a huge part of the support behind the scenes, organising fundraising events at the Black Horse pub, bringing people together and helping raise a phenomenal amount of money for the cause.

    They continue to be an important part of the team, supporting Neil’s increasingly outrageous ideas and helping turn them into something that makes a genuine difference.

    Some people question the crazy ideas. Lee and Hayley help make them happen.

    Lee & Hayley

    The Man You Want on Your Team

    Marlon  has been a close friend of Neil’s for over 20 years, serving as a valued part of both his professional life and the many endurance challenges taken on over the years.

    Marlon isn’t someone who looks for the spotlight or seeks praise—he’s simply the foundational figure every great team depends on. Give Marlon a job and he’ll get it done. No fuss, no complaints; he just gets on with it. He is reliable, loyal, hardworking, and always the first to lend a hand.

    His commitment goes far beyond the local stage. Marlon travelled to South Africa to help build a school for the local community, doing what he always does: turning up, working hard, and supporting the team every step of the way.

    That consistency is what makes Marlon so indispensable. When something needs doing, you know he’ll put a shift in and give everything he’s got. Beyond his work ethic, he is someone everyone loves having around. He brings qualities to a team that can’t be taught—he is genuine, deeply loyal, and steadfast when it matters most.

    The 950 Mindset has never been about a single individual; it’s about the people standing beside you, the ones who show up and hold the line when things get tough. Marlon is the embodiment of that spirit—the exact sort of man you’d want on your team, every single time.

         

                    Marlon Mcleod

    Joe – Tool Monkey & Clothing Monkey

    Joe at Tool Monkey and Clothing Monkey has been an incredible supporter of the 950-mile challenge, backing the vision from its earliest planning stages. Around six months before the run, when the challenge was still just an idea on paper, Joe invited me into the shop, sat down, and committed to helping us push the project forward. True to his word, he provided vital support with custom clothing designs, continuous promotion, and spreading the core message from day one through to the finish line.

    Beyond the branding and apparel, Joe brings strategic ideas, valuable local contacts, boundless enthusiasm, and a deep understanding of the mission's purpose. A true team player and a genuinely solid guy to have in your corner, Joe remains a core part of the team as we move into the next chapter—actively shaping designs and ideas for 950 Conversations – You’re Never Alone.

    Joe

    Supporting the Journey: Buttles Builders Merchants

    Behind every successful project and fundraising campaign are people who choose to make a real difference. For years, Nicky, Rob, and the team at Buttles Builders Merchants have been a constant pillar of support throughout the various challenges and initiatives I’ve taken on.

    Whether through sponsorship, promoting our campaigns, raising vital awareness, or donating building materials, their willingness to step up has been invaluable. A standout moment was our work with Young Lives vs Cancer, building a storage unit at one of their Oxford homes. When we needed help, Buttles stepped in without hesitation to supply the required materials to make it happen.

    Beyond our professional work together through SD Carpentry, Nicky and Rob have become genuine allies in our charity and fundraising efforts. When you’re pushing to make a positive impact, having dependable, community-minded businesses in your corner matters deeply.

    Nicky, Rob, and the entire Buttles team consistently prove what true community support looks like—helping us spread the message wider and make a bigger impact. I have enormous respect for them and am truly grateful to have them alongside us on this journey.

    Nicky, Rob and the team

     Anytime Fitness Leighton Buzzard

    Throughout my 950-mile challenge, the team at Anytime Fitness Leighton Buzzard—especially Del and Chris—proved to be far more than just a gym.

    From day one, Del and Chris were right there alongside me. They offered expert advice when I needed direction, kept me moving when the tough miles set in, and helped amplify the message behind the mission. They backed the journey with everything they had—promoting it, building connections, and demonstrating what true community spirit looks like.

    Their generosity, belief, and unwavering encouragement made a massive difference every step of the way. I’ll always be proud to have had Del, Chris, and the entire Anytime Fitness Leighton Buzzard family as an essential part of the 950 journey.

                         

                           Del & Chris 

    Strategic Support

    “Helping to guide the mission through the darkest miles.”

    First meeting the crew when SD Carpentry built his extension in 2024, Lee quickly recognized the rare, close-knit bond driving their work. Following Neil’s gruelling 950-mile challenge, he found himself deeply invested—a connection forged in fire one night when Neil got lost in the pitch black and Lee called to guide him out of the woods. Rarely one to join movements like this, the inspiration Lee gained from supporting the team triggered something new, driving him to step up and help lead future events.

    Lee Myers 

    Boxing Brains

    Founded by mental performance coach Teresa, Boxing Brains is an initiative that bridges physical combat training with neurobiology and mental health. Her work centers on using the discipline, rhythm, and focus of boxing to build emotional resilience, improve brain health, and optimize cognitive function.

    Rather than treating boxing merely as a sport, Boxing Brains uses non-contact technical movement, heavy bag work, and footwork drills as practical tools for stress regulation, focus, and mental clarity.

    Teresa